Bruce Mason, OU associate professor of physics, was recently named the 2008 Longmire Prize winner.
He was honored for his commitment to undergraduate education in the College of Arts and Sciences along with his innovative use of advanced instructional technology in classrooms to enhance learning at the University of Oklahoma.
The award was given at the fifth annual Teaching Scholars Initiative colloquium, held April 7 at the National Weather Center on OU’s Research Campus.
“Physics is not a spectator sport” is the mantra by which Mason lives. He incorporates a variety of teaching techniques, including Socratic methods, computer-based animations and Java applets, to keep students engaged and to help them understand very complex concepts.
“(Mason’s) dry humor and easy manner in class, down-to-earth explanations, his ‘I’m on your side’ attitude, and active, engaging, energetic delivery style keeps students involved, attentive and motivated in class,” said Ryan Doezema, chair of the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences.
In addition to the Longmire Prize, Mason recently received the MERLOT Distinguished Teaching Award and is the recipient of the OU General Teaching Award and the Regents’ Award for Superior Teaching.
Some of the comments submitted by his students include: “His in-class quizzes instantly display how effective his lessons are, which lets him know if he needs to further explain the subject.” “Professor Mason is one of the most patient, creative teachers I have ever had.” “Class is never boring or dry. We never just sit and listen to lecture while taking notes; there is always constant interaction between us and him.” And, “His teaching style brings the subject to the students in using every day experience and examples. Dr. Mason is the embodiment of the example of who and what every professor at OU should strive to be.”
The Longmire Prize, awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences, is named for the late William and Jane Longmire, who created a fund through their estates to improve teaching at OU. In addition to the monetary award and personal plaque, recipients’ names are inscribed on a permanent plaque located in Ellison Hall, the home of the college, on the Norman campus.
The prize is given annually to a faculty member who, in addition to exhibiting exemplary dedication to students and teaching, also is active in the scholarship of teaching and actively shares this knowledge with others. Former recipients include Mariëlle H. Hoefnagels, assistant professor of zoology and microbiology, and Grady Wray, associate professor of Spanish.
Participants in the Teaching Scholars Initiative colloquium include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, College of Engineering and Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts. For more information, visit casweb.ou.edu/tsi/.
Local news
Mason receives teaching award
- Local news
-
-
Theater’s the scene for Norman marketing director
Nancy Coggins landed a job with a prestigious Oklahoma City advertising agency before the ink dried on her OU journalism diploma. The job was a first rung on her career ladder and she admits that it didn’t call for her creative talents. ...
-
New jail to install curtains
The F. DeWayne Beggs Detention Center, though still in its infancy, is getting a facelift: new curtains....
-
Businesses go the extra mile for Valentine’s Day
Among the various images the phrase “Valentine’s Day” might conjure in one’s mind, probably the most immediate is the iconic dozen roses and heart-shaped box of chocolates....
-
New rehabilitation, skilled care center will be next to HealthPlex
StoneGate Senior Living President and CEO John F. Taylor announced Friday that his company has completed the purchase of approximately 6.7 acres of land in the Norman Regional Health System’s Medical Park West project at NW 36th Avenueand ...
-
Mystery performance provides theatrical fatal attraction
James Briggs has a pretty steady day job with the city parks department, doesn’t live anywhere near Little River and probably never owned or slept in a hatchback. He doesn’t usually wear sport coats that are two sizes too small, either ...
-
'Get the Lead Out' annual children's art festival enters 10th year
Longfellow Middle School had a special “GLO” about it Saturday morning....
-
County prisoners moved to new jail
Cleveland County sheriff’s deputies began moving prisoners from the detention center adjacent to the courthouse to the new F. DeWayne Beggs Detention Center at Franklin Road and U.S. 77 early Saturday morning....
-
School board elections Tuesday
Voters go to the polls Tuesday in four Cleveland County school districts. Cleveland County Election Board Secretary Jim Williams said this will be the first election using the new voting system. Polls will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on ...
-
Identity theft crackdown sweeps nation
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department recently announced a national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft perpetrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft....
-
Darry Stacy seeking county commission seat
Darry Stacy, a fifth generation Oklahoman and lifelong resident of Cleveland County, announced Friday that he will be a Republican candidate for the District 2 Cleveland County commissioner seat....
- More Local news Headlines
-
Theater’s the scene for Norman marketing director
