Meet the TSiRs: Sanwar Sunny and Shelly Clay-Robison

Innovation and inquiry intersect within the Teaching Scholars in Residence (TSiR) Program at the University of Baltimore to redefine educational excellence. Last month, we introduced two pioneering faculty members embarking on transformative projects. Today, we continue this series by spotlighting two more insightful scholars, Sanwar Sunny (MSB) and Shelly Clay-Robison (CPA), whose work promises to further expand our understanding of effective teaching and learning in higher education.

• Sanwar Sunny is delving into the multifaceted relationship between teamwork and creativity within the educational sphere. Recognizing that collaborative environments can both foster innovation and present challenges, Sanwar’s research aims to unravel the complexities of teamwork in stimulating or stifling creative thinking. His project is poised to provide valuable insights into how educators can structure team-based activities to enhance creativity, promoting a balance between collaborative synergy and individual expression. By examining the factors that contribute to a productive team dynamic, Sanwar seeks to equip faculty with strategies to maximize the creative potential of their students.
• Shelly Clay-Robison’s project centers on transformative pedagogy, a progressive approach that emphasizes critical reflection and empowerment to inspire change. Shelly’s work explores how educators can implement teaching practices that not only convey knowledge but also foster a transformative experience, encouraging students to question assumptions and view the world from new perspectives. By integrating principles of transformative pedagogy into the curriculum, Shelly aims to create a more engaging and impactful learning environment that prepares students to become thoughtful, active participants in society. Her project underscores the potential of education to not just inform, but transform.

The insights from Sanwar and Shelly not only build upon the conversations started by their colleagues but also challenge us to think deeper about our pedagogical practices. Their contributions are vital in our collective journey towards creating more engaging, reflective, and innovative educational environments at UBalt. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to celebrate the creativity and dedication of our TSiR scholars, whose work exemplifies the spirited inquiry that defines our academic community. Together, we look forward to the dialogue, discoveries, and advancements that will emerge from this collaborative exploration of teaching and learning.