Malcolmson named most "Excellent" Teacher

by Peter Cullen

Dr. Patrick Malcolmson

Coinciding with his 10-year anniversary at St. Thomas, Dr. Patrick Malcolmson received the Excellence in Teaching Award 2000 earlier this past summer.

The associate professor for the department of political science uses the Socratic or dialectical method in class, focussing on dialogue. Presenting alternative viewpoints and arguing opposing sides, students must decide for themselves which argument is most reasonable. He sees the teacher-student relationship as one in which “the more experienced student is trying to help the less experiencesd student find their way.”

Dr. Malcolmson chairs the department of political science and New Brunswick Human Rights Commission. In addition, he serves on the University Senate and the Aquinas Programme committee.

Dr. Malcolmson summarizes his goals as a professor by saying, “At the end of the day, it is my simple but sincere hope that we will have made some progress in understanding politics and ourselves.”