NORMAN –For his commitment to undergraduate education in the College of Arts and Sciences along with his innovative use of advanced instructional technology in classrooms to enhance learning at the University of Oklahoma, Bruce Mason, associate professor of physics, was named the 2008 Longmire Prize recipient at the fifth annual Teaching Scholars Initiative colloquium, held April 7 at the National Weather Center on OU’s Research Campus.

“Physics is not a spectator sport” is the mantra by which Mason lives.  He incorporates a variety of teaching techniques, including Socratic methods, computer-based animations and Java applets, to keep students engaged and to help them understand very complex concepts.

“(Mason’s) dry humor and easy manner in class, down-to-earth explanations, his ‘I’m on your side’ attitude, and active, engaging, energetic delivery style keeps students involved, attentive and motivated in class,” said Ryan Doezema, chair of the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences.

In addition to the Longmire Prize, Mason recently received the MERLOT Distinguished Teaching Award and is the recipient of the OU General Teaching Award and the Regents’ Award for Superior Teaching.

Some of the comments submitted by his students include: “His in-class quizzes instantly display how effective his lessons are, which lets him know if he needs to further explain the subject.”  “Professor Mason is one of the most patient, creative teachers I have ever had.” “Class is never boring or dry.  We never just sit and listen to lecture while taking notes; there is always constant interaction between us and him.” And, “His teaching style brings the subject to the students in using every day experience and examples.  Dr. Mason is the embodiment of the example of who and what every professor at OU should strive to be.”

The Longmire Prize, awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences, is named for the late William and Jane Longmire, who created a fund through their estates to improve teaching at OU.  In addition to the monetary award and personal plaque, recipients’ names are inscribed on a permanent plaque located in Ellison Hall, the home of the college, on the Norman campus.   The prize is given annually to a faculty member who, in addition to exhibiting exemplary dedication to students and teaching, also is active in the scholarship of teaching and actively shares this knowledge with others.  Former recipients include Mariëlle H. Hoefnagels, assistant professor of zoology and microbiology, and Grady Wray, associate professor of Spanish.

Participants in the Teaching Scholars Initiative colloquium include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, College of Engineering and Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts.   For more information, visit http://casweb.ou.edu/tsi/.