2010 Outstanding University Teacher Award Winner Category I

Tim Fredstrom, Ph.D.

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nebraska
Associate Professor of Choral Music and Music Education and Assistant Director, School of Music

Teaching philosophy

In environments that are positive, supportive, and interactive, I believe students must work to learn and be active participants in class, not passive observers.

Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice

Create a positive environment, create opportunities for active learning, and facilitate meaningful reflection.

Proudest teaching accomplishment

My greatest accomplishment as a teacher is when I work myself out of a job and students are capable of continuing without me as a result of what they learned in my class.

Best compliment from a student

I can now do this on my own, and maybe even better than you!

Most rewarding part of teaching

My favorite part of teaching is helping students make sense of their experiences. I love to help students draw connections between what they already know and the new information they are exploring.

Recommendation to colleagues

The greatest advice I can give is to focus on students’ mastery of the content rather than the teacher’s coverage of the content.

the University Seal — “My favorite part of teaching is helping students make sense of their experiences. I love to help students draw connections between what they already know and the new information they are exploring.”