By Leslie Mason
By Leslie Mason
If there is art in teaching, then Shawn Glynn is certainly a master artist. For two decades, he has been helping schoolteachers appreciate the role that psychology plays in teaching, particularly the teaching of science.
With appointments in UGA's educational psychology and science education departments, Glynn brings a unique perspective to the classroom. He has developed two methods--"constructing conceptual models" and "teaching with analogies"--that are changing the way science is being taught.
According to departmental chairs Carl Huberty in educational psychology and Thomas Koballa in science education, Glynn's approach recognizes that "psychology plays a critical role in the science education of children because early attitudes and interests have a strong influence on later achievement."
His methods make scientific concepts concrete and relevant to children by helping them first draw mental models and then build physical models. The approach earns high marks from aspiring and practicing teachers alike.
"Dr. Glynn's class has increased my awareness of the misconceptions with which students enter my class. As a result, my approach to teaching science has changed, recognizing that activity-based models are effective in clarifying any incorrect preconceived notions as well as teaching new concepts," wrote Betsy Proffitt, a fourth-grade teacher at Porterdale Elementary School in Covington.
Glynn makes effective use of technology, including a federally funded series of instructional videos and several Web sites.
Glynn earned master's and doctoral degrees from Pennsylvania State University. Since joining UGA's faculty in 1977, he has received the College of Education's D. Keith Osborn Faculty Senate Award for Teaching Excellence and was named a Senior Teaching Fellow by the university.
In recognition of his scholarly contributions, Glynn has been elected a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. A Fulbright scholar, he has lectured in every corner of the world.
"Dr. Glynn has connected his scholarship in research with teaching to provide the highest quality instruction for our students," says Russell Yeany, UGA's education dean. "His is a model of teaching excellence."
