Hayes receives CANR Excellence in Teaching – Established Teacher Award
Daniel Hayes, Ph.D., of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, will be honored with the CANR Excellence in Teaching – Established Teacher Award on May 8
Daniel Hayes, Ph.D., of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, will be honored with the CANR Excellence in Teaching – Established Teacher Award on May 8.
The CANR Excellence in Teaching – Established Teacher Award recognizes individuals with five or more years of teaching experience who have demonstrated a commitment to quality scholarship of teaching, as evidenced by their contributions to teaching, learning and demonstrated success in these areas.
Daniel Hayes, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. His teaching philosophy is deeply influenced by the concept of "reach each you teach," emphasizing the importance of understanding students as whole individuals with diverse backgrounds, skill sets and aspirations. He believes in developing relationships with his students, prioritizing their well-being, personal growth and academic achievement. This approach ensures that students feel supported and motivated to succeed, even when facing challenges in their personal lives.
Communication is key to Hayes' success in building strong student-teacher relationships. He implements explicit communication by conveying expectations and class logistics through emails and in-person interactions. Hayes also explains the purpose behind activities and assignments, helping students understand their relevance and engage more deeply with the material.
Passion is also a cornerstone of his teaching style. He strives to instill a love for the subject and the profession in his students, believing that a teacher's passion for the material is essential for inspiring students to learn. Hayes emphasizes the relevance of course content to students' lives and careers, helping them see the connection between their studies and their future aspirations.
Assessing the effectiveness of teaching and mentoring efforts is challenging, but Hayes measures success through long-term relationships with students, their career progression and his own continuous improvement. He remains in contact with many former students, who convey that his teaching has enriched their lives and helped them succeed in their careers.