Ken Maly

Ken Maly is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Vice Dean: Faculty of Science. He established the Faculty of Science Award for Teaching Excellence in 2016 to help recognize and promote excellence in teaching. Maly served as Acting Dean: Faculty of Science from June 2018 to 2019. As acting Dean, he introduced the Faculty of Science Teaching and Learning Committee, which organizes workshops and events to promote discussions about teaching and learning. His fellowship focuses on developing tools for active learning and enhancing student support.

What does your role of Teaching Fellow mean to you?

My role as a Teaching Fellow challenges me to be a better teacher and to strive for ways to better engage students. It is also about elevating the subject of teaching among colleagues and

contributing to a culture where teaching is valued. Indeed, I think one of the most important aspects of the Teaching Fellowship program is that it sends a signal that teaching and learning are valued at Laurier.

What’s a course you love to teach?

My favorite courses to teach are Organic Spectroscopic Methods and Advanced Organic Synthesis. In both these classes, I aim to get students to work collaboratively to solve problems together in the classroom setting. In smaller classes, the learning environment allows me to interact with students as individuals and as a group, so that I can identify where they struggle and help guide them. It is especially rewarding because I can see how students progress in their understanding of the course material.

At a fundamental level, I am excited about learning and the discovery of new knowledge. Teaching provides me an opportunity to share that excitement with students.

Learn More

• Enabling Student Engagement On-campus and Online
• Ken Maly Faculty Profile