Beginning the Term with Curiosity

In Conversation with Nathan Vo: Teaching Students to Discover

Conversation Series Returns! 

In our latest conversation series episode, Early Career Excellence recipient Nathan Vo, from Laurier’s Health Studies program, describes his own curiosity journey as having moved from asking what and why to ‘what if;’ and he uses that question to ignite students’ curiosity as they develop new ideas, solve problems and build confidence in their own abilities.

Through a student-centred approach grounded in active and experiential learning, Nathan designs his courses so students make a growth-oriented shift towards discovery. From introducing low-stakes assessments early on, leaving himself room to experiment and change course elements, to responding to student feedback while the term is underway, Nathan incorporates this growth-mindset approach to support students’ learning. 

Whether students are investigating forensic evidence, exploring nature from a new perspective or collaborating with peers in the lab to develop novel vaccines, Nathan creates a learning environment where students can take risks and follow their curiosity and passions as they pursue the next big scientific discovery.  

Watch the video on Youtube or listen on our podcast, and find more episodes featuring award-winning Laurier faculty discussing their teaching practices and journeys. 

Get to know your classroom and educational technologies

• Classroom orientation guides help instructors get accustomed to operating the technology in any of Laurier’s classrooms. From connecting your own devices to making the most out of web conferencing classrooms, our orientation materials can help you feel confident operating technology in any classroom! Troubleshooting: ICT staff are available to support instructors with any technical issues during classes. Reach ICT at 226-243-6393, servicemanager@wlu.ca or on Teams at @support!

• MyLearningSpace Orientation Guide – These orientation materials walk you through the different tools and components available to instructors in MyLS, from building course components to assessments, and ways to effectively administrate your course. The Educational Technologies team is also available for additional support at MyLS@wlu.ca.

• Find Laurier-supported Educational Technologies – Explore Laurier's suite of educational technologies for daily teaching and learning activities, and find tools that support your teaching.

• Teaching with Zoom Orientation – Whether you’re teaching asynchronously, in hybrid or hyflex, or want to easily record videos for course content, these resources can help make the most out of Zoom as a teaching platform.

• Watch: Welcoming Guest Speakers Virtually into Any Classroom – Whether you’re teaching in a traditional classroom, web-conferencing-enabled classroom, or you’re bringing your device into any space, there’s a way to bring in guest speakers. This video features ideas and strategies to welcome guest speakers virtually into any classroom.

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