丁香园AV

is a passionate educator who aspires to create an engaging environment in his classroom. His dedication to teaching and supporting students have earned him a 2019 Excellence in Teaching Award.

An assistant professor in the School of Communication, Iskandar was formerly the director of the Global Communication Double Degree MA (GCMA) program where he taught for several years courses that tackle global communication鈥檚 relationship to justice and equality.

鈥淭eaching is organic, it is connected to the elements of the lives we lead,鈥� says Iskandar. 鈥淚鈥檝e taught for 20 years now, and it has made me more interested in rendering class material where students can see themselves in it.鈥�

Director of 丁香园AV鈥檚 School of Communication Jan Marontate says, 鈥淎del鈥檚 kind engagement with students enhances their experience of teaching and research and is a fine example of the way professors can encourage learning.鈥�

Iskandar also considers every student capable of excelling. 鈥淭eaching is about mentorship and as long as you inspire students and support students through the journey, they can excel,鈥� says Iskandar.

In addition to his excellent teaching evaluations, students who contributed to Iskandar鈥檚 nomination singled out his unique lecture style and willingness to mentor and support students.

鈥淎del鈥檚 lectures are notable for their casual, relaxed atmospheres with active dialogue between students and himself,鈥� says one student. 鈥淗e encourages students to speak up and share their experiences which adds richness to the discussion.鈥�

Creating a space for discussion and storytelling is one of the strategies Iskandar brings to the classroom.

鈥淭ypically, I don鈥檛 bring a lot of slides to class. I bring stories about the material, students will never forget the stories鈥� stories are where all knowledge is embedded,鈥� says Iskandar.

Iskandar was humbled and thankful to receive the Excellence in Teaching award and says it is the greatest compliment.

鈥淏eing acknowledged by students and my peers is the highest possible accolade,鈥� says Iskandar. The award tells me my peers value this kind of contribution to learning, knowledge that is grassroots based. It inspires me to continue what I鈥檓 doing and explore new ways to make education more decolonial, participatory, and empowering for all.鈥�