Goodwin receives CANR Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching Award
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EmailCatlin Goodwin, of the Department of Community Sustainability, will be honored with the CANR Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching Award this May
Catlin Goodwin, of the Department of Community Sustainability, will be honored with the CANR Graduate Student Teaching Award this May.
The CANR Graduate Student Teaching Award recognizes graduate students for their exceptional teaching skills, implementation of innovative techniques, contributions to undergraduate programs, and impact on students' careers and colleagues' teaching/advising practices.
Catlin Goodwin, a graduate assistant in the Department of Community Sustainability, believes that education is a platform to help students develop their ability to engage critically with the world around them. Her teaching philosophy fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students can collaborate, think critically, and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts. By cultivating these skills, Goodwin helps students navigate complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and thrive in their future careers and communities.
In practice, she incorporates experiential learning and a variety of active learning strategies and strives to create an inclusive and productive classroom environment by encouraging students to share their perspectives and drive their learning. In her Theory and Practice of Program Planning in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Education course, students engage in real-world conflict scenarios, applying theoretical concepts, reflecting on the process and outcomes, and refining their skills through iterative experiences.
Goodwin's approach to mentoring students mirrors her teaching philosophy. She creates a supportive, inclusive and engaging environment, challenging students to step outside their comfort zones and find inspiration in failure or the unknown. By intentionally considering grouping, project choice, and one-on-one conversations, she tailors learning experiences to suit each student's needs.
Catlin's mentorship extends to the AFNR Education MA program, where she has supported graduate students with research and writing advice and co-authored manuscripts and articles that contribute to the field of agricultural education. Her collaborative impact projects, such as guiding students and in-service teachers to develop presentations and guides for the state FFA Agricultural Issues and Demonstration Leadership Development Events, highlight her commitment to real-world applications of course concepts.
