Laurentian University is pleased to announce that Dr. Aaron Langille has been awarded the 2016-2017 Teaching Excellence Award for his work both inside and outside of the classroom in the Department of Math and Computer Science.
“I am both humbled and honoured to have been nominated for this award,” said Dr. Aaron Langille. “As teachers, we strive every day to give our students a fulfilling classroom experience and to prepare them for their next steps. To be recognized by those students and colleagues for that work is touching and I will not soon forget it.”
A graduate of Laurentian University’s Math and Computer Science program (1998), Dr. Langille worked in the computer technology industry before returning to Laurentian as a technologist in the department in 2002. He has held teaching related employment as a Master Lecturer in the Department of Math and Computer Science since July 2011. Before that, he taught in the department as a sessional lecturer from 2005-2011.
Dr. Langille is lauded for his classroom technique, which includes the use of humour, analogy, and his own professional experience and expertise to bring his subject matter to life for students. Of particular note is Dr. Langille’s development of “gamification” as a teaching technique, involving goals, incentives, and motivation for students as they work through classroom material.
“I recently read a quote that to be a good teacher essentially involves being part stand-up comic, part door-to-door salesman, part expert, and part counselor,” said Dr. Langille. “That sums up my philosophy quite well. Using all those tools is a great way to bridge the gap between teacher and student and help foster success.”
The annual award, given to full-time faculty members, recognizes exceptional teaching performance. All nominations must be supported by students, peers, alumni, and other members of the university community.
Dr Langille’s dedication to his students does not end in the classroom. In 2015, he assumed the academic counselling role for the Computer Science programs and works closely with Laurentian’s Counselling Services, Liaison, and the Centre for Academic Excellence. He believes students should have someone to talk to about issues outside of university life that may be affecting their academic performance.
“I want to congratulate Aaron Langille for receiving this year’s Teaching Excellence Award. His demonstrated excellence in course development and teaching delivery are great assets to our community,” said Dr. Pierre Zundel, Vice-President, Academic and Provost. “The extraordinary number of letters and messages of support submitted by students and his colleagues are a testament to the impact Dr. Langille has already had, and will continue to have, on so many people’s lives.”
About Laurentian University
Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates. With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. Laurentian University has secured over $100 million in research income in the past five years.