Daily Egyptian Reporter 13

When Jonathan Newman was assigned to teach the Conservation of Natural Resources course, he stepped down from the podium and returned to his seat as a student to enhance his knowledge of economics.

ZOOL 321I Conservation of Natural Resources is an interdisciplinary class that integrates economics and ecology.

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I needed to be well-versed in the other discipline, Newman, an assistant professor of zoology, said. I needed to be able to present both subjects, not just dabble in the field (of my knowledge).

Furthering his education paid off, as Newman was recognized for outstanding teaching of basic courses in the core curriculum by SIUC Academic Affairs at the Oct. 1 University Core Curriculum Honors Day Celebration.

The celebration marked the completion of the first year of SIUC’s new core curriculum, which replaced the general education program.

Newman was nominated by William Muhlach, an associate professor in zoology. The first-time award was designed to emphasize the importance to the University’s core curriculum.

I knew the competition would be stiff, Muhlach said, but even the nomination would be a recognition of his efforts.

Newman said he was surprised at the nomination and winning of the award, for which he received $500 .

It’s like the who’s who of teachers’ across campus, Newman said. Teaching is between you and your students. There’s so much less evidence of your teaching being exceptional and being able to say, I’m a good teacher.’

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Muhlach said Newman has a teaching style that helps his students learn more.

He has a very interactive personality that helps him communicate with his students, he said. He is very enthusiastic about his topic, and that reflects on his teaching.

Newman came to SIUC in fall 1994 after doing his post doctoral work at Oxford University in England. He received his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees form the State University of New York at Albany in 1985 and 1990.

Newman said being able to do research helps him in teaching his students in all his classes.

Researching enables me to bring my own experiences to class, he said. I live this. This is part of my life and I bring this material alive (to my class).

Newman said that being married and having a child helps him relate to his students on a different level.

The typical student is not the typical student. Students have been out in the world before they came to college, he said. That helps me interact and appreciate my students. It helps to keep it perspective that your class isn’t the only thing going on in these people’s lives.