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Shaw Receives University of South Alabama's First Innovative Teaching Award Writer: Angela Hains, 706/542-5889, anicole7@uga.edu Contact: Edward Shaw, eshaw@usouthal.edu
University of South Alabama education professor and COE alumnus Edward Shaw was recently recognized for his innovative teaching by integrating the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center into a graduate-level class, aimed at showing future teachers how to bring science alive in their elementary classrooms.
Shaw, a professor of curriculum and instruction, collaborated with the Mobile County Public School System and Exploreum Education Coordinator Bill Watson to introduce his undergraduate elementary education students to their local resource.
The Exploreum is a non-profit organization aimed at fostering science literacy among kids of all ages. The museum offers interactive exhibits, IMAX films, and workshops to get children involved and excited about science. Additionally, the Exploreum is a resource center for teachers.
“By teaching my kids about their local science resources, they can then enthusiastically teach their elementary classes about the Exploreum and the circle continues to enhance a thirst for science knowledge in children,” Shaw explained.
After five years, the program has evolved into an Exploreum Science graduate class that is offered during the summer at USA. Shaw was awarded the College of Education's first Excellence in Teaching Award for Outstanding Innovation for his continuous work with the Gulf Coast Exploreum. The class incorporates various activities at the university and the Exploreum.
Shaw earned his doctorate in science education and a bachelor's of art in history from UGA and a master's in elementary education from Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga.
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