Dr. Natasha Duncan, Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Dean for International Education and Affairs in the Honors College, employs evidence-based instructional strategies to guide hands-on learning and global awareness. She utilizes high-impact practices, such as hands-on and immersive learning through field trips, study abroad programs, and student-faculty research, which deepen student learning and affords students practical skills and development. Her pedagogical approach challenges students to think critically, creatively, develop attitudes of open-mindedness, and apply the knowledge from the course.

Duncan’s spring break study abroad to the US-Mexico border connects class material to the real world with students witnessing border crossings, judicial proceedings, and listening to personal accounts from migrants themselves. This trip deepens students’ learning about the complexities of the US immigration system and allows students to apply theories from the classroom to practice.

As an educator, Duncan engages learners with a recognized scholar and practitioner speaker series. The speakers discuss experiences related to international border disputes, foreign policy, international migration, and the international economic system, and each speaker challenges students to consider new viewpoints from different perspectives.

In one of Duncan’s courses, “Exploring Place,” she blends research, intercultural learning, and site visits to promote student creativity and critical thinking skills. In the course, students co-create a project that explores socio-economic-political issues and are challenged to view and analyze this project from multiple perspectives to understand differing worldviews. Through her teaching strategies, Duncan promotes a high standard for teaching excellence.

The following table maps Dr. Duncan’s teaching excellence evidence to evaluation activities.