World Languages Department Now Has 13 Master Teachers

Photo by Paisley Boston

Linda Jones

"If you don't allow yourself to be open to evolving in your teaching, then you are not doing yourself nor your students justice," said Linda Jones, associate professor of instructional technology.

Jones recently received the Fulbright College Master Teaching Award.

She is the 13th faculty member in the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures to receive this award.

The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences honors up to three outstanding teachers from each division in the college.

The award recipient must employ innovative or unusual teaching techniques, and have attended or conducted conferences or workshops that focused on the development and improvement of teaching skills.

The highlights of Jones' pedagogical record include: 23 publications regarding pedagogy; 26 grants and projects funded regarding pedagogy in the amount of over $250,000; 40 presentations and conference papers regarding pedagogy; 6 workshops presented regarding pedagogy and 16 courses developed and/or taught at the University of Arkansas.

Colleague and former student, Kathleen Condray, nominated her for this award.

"When one examines her CV, it becomes clear that Dr. Jones has routinely been willing to engage with new technology as it emerges, to determine the best way that technology can be used to help students learn other languages, and then to pass those methods along to her colleagues and graduate students," she added.

Although she has a list of remarkable accomplishments, Jones remains humble and is honored to have received the Master Teaching Award.

"I know so many people who have received awards, and so many people who have not received awards. It's just humbling knowing that there are so many other people who have not received awards who are just as deserving as I am," said Jones.

Jones is appreciative to her students, faculty of the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures; and Condray for the award nomination.

When asked to describe her lecturing style, she responded by saying, "I do not have a specific lecturing style and my lessons usually do not always go as planned. My goal is to ensure that my students have a voice in what they are learning."

Jones encourages open dialogue and often engages in great conversations about relevant topics with her students.

"For me, teaching is not about being the all encompassing expert. Every class is different and I am always more interested in what my students have to say," said Jones.