CAP Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Honours instructors who demonstrate an ability to communicate their knowledge and understanding in such a way as to lead their students to high academic achievement in physics.

Description and Background
Evaluation Criteria
CAP Medal Nomination Procedures (Link opens in new tab)


Know a worthy candidate for this award?

VISIT THE CAP RECOGNITION NOMINATION SYSTEM

Any questions regarding the nomination process should be sent to programs@cap.ca

2024 Winner

Nikolas Provatas | McGill University

View Previous Winners


Description and Background

The CAP Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching is awarded to honour instructors who demonstrate an ability to communicate their knowledge and understanding in such a way as to lead their students to high academic achievement in physics.

Evaluation Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated on their participation in teaching and other educational activities that set them apart from their peers. The evaluation will focus on, but will not be limited to, the material and references included in the application package, including

  • A supporting letter from the nominator (self-nominations are permissible). This letter should outline the nominee’s contributions to teaching and learning and the effectiveness of those efforts and/or impact on their institution’s teaching mission that sets the nominee apart from their peers.
  • Up to three letters from students, trainees, or colleagues familiar with the nominee’s work.
  • A teaching dossier including the nominee’s teaching philosophy and outlining their contributions to teaching and learning.
  • Other material specified in the nomination components.

The committee will base their evaluation on aspects of the nominee’s record which may include:

  • Demonstrated teaching effectiveness and effort.
  • Leadership in curriculum development or teaching innovation.
  • Demonstrated incorporation of the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusivity in their teaching practice.
  • Undergraduate student supervision and mentorship, particularly student successes and outcomes.
  • Honours, citations, certificates, awards, and other recognition for their teaching.
  • Involvement in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL).

Given the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusivity in inspiring a diverse new generation of physicists, the selection committee may wish to prioritize nominees from under-represented groups in cases when the levels of accomplishments of nominees are very close.

 

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