Dr. Tim Murphy, Professor of Psychology, is the 2018 recipient of Brock University’s Distinguished Teaching Award. One award is conferred annually.
Murphy has established an outstanding teaching record throughout the past 20 years teaching PSYC 2F23 -Introductory Statistics and Research Methods, along with many other courses.
Colleagues and students remark on his easy going, yet rigorous, approach to statistics training that has earned him recognition within and outside the department and university. His list of teaching awards includes the 2017 Faculty of Social Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award, the 2010 Brock University Student Union Teaching Award, the 2010 Ontario Graduate Student Alliance Award for Excellence in Teaching, the 2010 Brock University Early Career Teaching Award and the 2007 Making a Difference Award.
As a teacher of a primary course in research design and statistics that involves large classes, Murphy says it’s imperative to dispel the idea that these courses are heavily mathematical and constantly work to reduce the anxiety experienced by the majority of students.
“I attempt to establish this quickly at the beginning of the course and consistently throughout the course to reduce the anxiety and fear associated with statistics. In the first lecture, I tell my students how I struggled initially and even failed a statistics course during my undergraduate degree in mathematics. This also allows me to relate my personal experiences and point out the need for consistent lecture and tutorial attendance… and completion of assignments in order to do well in the course.”
Murphy continues to develop his statistics courses in a relatively unique way and he is a fearless teacher when it comes to conquering the fear and anxiety that his students experience.
He enlists a variety of creative teaching methods that includes holding “stats improv” sessions in which students pitch their best questions at him to solve on the spot.
“Improvising on questions from students does two things — it demonstrates the process and shows students that there is no magic involved, and it also lets them see what happens when you make mistakes.
“I like to think that I bring a little enjoyment to my students. As a teacher, you have to find a way to enjoy what you’re doing because if you don’t enjoy what you do, how can anyone enjoy doing it with you?”
Murphy fully believes in “mentoring through the ranks” and creating a sense of equality between teachers and students as being full participants in a “community of scholars.”
“I do not see students as being lower than me, but as simply beginning a journey that I started much earlier than they did. I actively try to minimize any hierarchy…I do my best to remain open to not only their questions regarding the course but also their concerns and opinions about school in general.”
Read more about Dr. MURPHY in Brock News:
Teaching excellence honoured at Tribute event
https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2018/12/teaching-excellence-honoured-at-tribute-event/
Psychology prof’s simple advice to graduates: be a good person
https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2017/06/psychology-profs-simple-advice-to-graduates-be-a-good-person/