ALEJANDRO JACKY USES NONTRADITIONAL TEACHING METHODS

Alejandro Jacky, one of the recipients of the 2005 Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, speaks English and Spanish, but the most important language he uses daily is that of a teacher.

In communicating with students, Jacky, a graduate teaching fellow in the Modern and Classical Languages Department, employs traditional and nontraditional teaching tools, such as episodes of “The Simpsons.”

“Each individual’s learning style is as unique as the person,” wrote Jacky in a statement about his teaching philosophy. “I want to impress the importance of variety in lesson plans.”

Additionally, Jacky makes students feel at ease through his passion for teaching.

“One of the things that makes him special is that he truly enjoys teaching,” said former student Chris Griffin. “In turn, his students truly enjoy learning from him.”

Teaching excellence awards of $1,000 and a trophy are presented to two graduate students. Nominees must have been teaching assistants or fellows for at least two semesters.

Staff writer Mike Emery