Unconventional teaching methods nets award for DC professor

A Durham College professor is being awarded for her unique teaching methods.

Dr. Lynne Kennette, professor of psychology, is the recipient of the Wayne Weiten Teaching Excellence Award, an award given to people who use innovative teaching methods, develop interest and awareness of psychology and cultivate a professional identity off campus.

Kennette uses TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory and Family Guy to teach psychological concepts to her students. Her eccentric teaching methods heightens student engagement and interest in psychology.

“Teaching well requires a lot of planning, and it can be a very challenging profession at times, but I love it,” she states in a news release announcing her award. “I have so much fun designing learning activities for my students. Witnessing their ‘aha moments’ when the concepts we discuss in class come to life in classroom experiments or demonstrations makes all the planning and hours of preparation worth it.”

The application process involved a self-nomination form and letters of support from students, faculty and peers.

“It is truly humbling to have my peers, who are typically previous award recipients, review my application materials and deem me worthy of such an honour,” she said.

Kennette will receive a plaque and $1,500, as well as recognition in the fall issue of the American Psychological Association (APA) journal, Teaching of Psychology.

She will be awarded at the annual APA convention in Toronto in August.