For Katrina Bloch, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Sociology at Kent State University at Stark, her goal is to help students adopt a sociological lens through an open and honest classroom environment that encourages them to reach their fullest potential.
“I try to be student-centered as much as possible,” Bloch said. “I want my students to be engaged in the material. I want to integrate what we're talking about into their lives so they can apply it, otherwise, they're just learning weird definitions in a textbook. I strive to make it applicable and useful to their lives.”
This dedicated mindset is what led to Bloch receiving the 2021 Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA), which honors an outstanding group of teachers who are committed to their students' success. The award is sponsored by the Kent State University Alumni Association and is the highest teaching award a tenured or tenure-track professor can receive.
“It was a little overwhelming,” Bloch said when describing how it felt to be nominated. “I didn't know how to feel. I was excited, honored and touched, but I also had self doubt, because there's always things you feel like you could do better. It was definitely moving though.”
Bloch aims to teach her students to interact with others through empathy. She expresses to her students that she is human too, so her students know she understands there is life outside of the classroom. Through this, she has adopted a teaching style that allows her to be there for her students while also creating a very structured class.
“The more I show my students that I care about them, the more willing they are to engage in the class and see that I want them to learn and succeed,” Bloch said.
One student who nominated Bloch for this award wrote, “Learning from and working with Dr. Bloch has been a highlight of my time at Kent State University. She excels not only in her ability to teach, but also in kindness, passion, and support for others.”
Bloch played an instrumental role in this student's studies, which is a common theme with many of Bloch’s students.
“Many of my practices are inspired by Dr. Bloch,” another student wrote. “My experience with her has enriched my time at Kent State and informed my personal and professional goals.”
This engaging and empathetic teaching style enhances Bloch’s success as a professor and mentor.
For Bloch, it is the details that make a difference when it comes to reaching her students on a deeper level.
“Doing small things, like getting to class early and asking students, ‘What did you do this week, how's the week going or how are your classes going?’ is important because then students can tell me how they feel and how they’re doing.” Bloch said. “Everything I do is for a reason because I care about their learning.”
Going forward, Bloch continues to push for a stronger development in engagement with her students.
Bloch was honored alongside the 2021 DTA finalists and other outstanding Kent State faculty at the University Teaching Council Conference on Oct. 22, 2021.
For more information on the department of sociology, visit https://www.kent.edu/sociology.