Peter Kollock

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As a sociologist, Peter Kollock believes in cooperation. At the same time, he believes his mission as an educator is to provide his students with a new way of seeing.

Both concepts coalesce in his classroom, creating a provocative environment where theory comes alive in practical application and indifference gives way to passion. Students in his courses change their attitudes, majors and career choices and unsolicited letters pour into the sociology department, citing him as a model for professors throughout the University. Such accolades are a major reason Kollock has been singled out to receive the 1992 Harvey L. Eby Award for the Art of Teaching.

In the addition to Kollock’s enthusiasm, humor and knack for making the material relevant to students’ lives, he has introduced such innovations as a peer evaluation requirement, which students review drafts of one another’s papers and a computer simulation game.

While such creative approaches to teaching are noteworthy in themselves, as the instructor for the sociology department’s teaching assistant training course, Kollock has also proven himself a leader in educating other teachers. Using videotaping, course design and peer review, he has transformed a class that many graduate students considered a waste of time into an immensely helpful and enjoyable learning experience. He has also worked to promote effective teaching beyond the department.

A decided asset to the sociology department and to the University, Kollock has earned the esteem of his colleagues and his students. “The best educator I have ever had,” wrote one student. “Thanks for hiring him.”