Inspiring Learning Award 2021-22 Recipient
Ben Crosby, PhD
"Dr. Crosby volunteered to help and suggested that we apply for a mentoring grant. His confidence in me was the needed wind in my sails. We procured research assistant funds and set up a weekly meeting schedule. I dove headfirst into documenting every significant account in early American history of God appearing. Dr. Crosby tenaciously expected me to drive the project. He structured the experience so that after each meeting we both had clear tasks to accomplish during the next week. While he wrote the introduction and discussion, he let me write the literature review, research the concept, find the texts, and analyze two of the three speech artifacts. The amount of autonomy Dr. Crosby gave me over the project was surprising, but I was even more astonished when he said: 'I want you to be the lead-author when we submit this. It will be a huge feather in your cap.'"
I try to create an environment that fosters deep learning and applied practice.
A) Students present during almost every class meeting. Often, they are in charge of teaching the reading or theory for a portion of ta given class period. B) Students workshop with each other in small groups. C) Students are encouraged to meet with me as individuals or groups outside of class.
Students must know their views and ideas are respected, and they must know they have to step outside of their comfort zone. A good classroom is space is that both safe and rigorous.
I wish that more students and faculty knew that experiential learning unlocks the next level of a student's potential. It is not just one educational method among others. It is foundational to BYU's Four Aims.