Packback is proud to partner with educators who are transforming the way students learn, think, and engage with the ultimate goal of helping them find their unique voice and become intrinsically motivated. Today, we’re thrilled to celebrate the achievement of an incredible educator, user, and champion, Dr. Brynn Welch, who recently received the The David W. Concepción Prize for Excellence in Philosophy Teaching and is making waves in the classroom with her innovative teaching practices and thought leadership.
A Well-Deserved Honor
The David W. Concepción Prize for Excellence in Philosophy Teaching recognizes educators who bring philosophy to life for their students, fostering critical thinking and a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom. Dr. Welch’s passion for teaching and her ability to connect with students through creative and engaging methods (like Packback!) have made her a standout in the field. This prestigious award highlights her commitment to making philosophy accessible, inspiring, and relevant to students from all backgrounds by encouraging them to find a way to connect the classroom to real life experiences.In her recent interview with the APA, Dr. Welch shared insights into her teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of fostering curiosity and empowering students to explore complex ideas. She also credited tools like Packback (!!!) for helping her create a dynamic learning environment where students feel confident asking big questions and diving into thoughtful discussions.
Packback’s Role in the Classroom
Dr. Welch’s use of Packback has been a key factor in her teaching success. By integrating Packback’s AI-powered discussion platform, Packback Questions, into her courses, she has created a space where students feel encouraged to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Brynn mentions that Packback’s unique approach to fostering curiosity-driven learning aligns perfectly with her teaching philosophy and helps her cultivate a classroom of curious, motivated, and engaged students.
Through Packback, students in Dr. Welch’s courses have:
- Developed critical thinking skills by asking open-ended questions and exploring diverse perspectives.
- Gained confidence in their ideas through a supportive and engaging community of learners.
- Enhanced their writing and communication skills with instant AI feedback and thoughtful peer interactions.
Brynn’s willingness to embrace new tools and technology to enhance student outcomes has not only earned her this award but has also set an example for educators across disciplines.
Expanding Her Impact Through Writing
In addition to her award-winning teaching, Dr. Welch is contributing to the academic community through her writing. She is set to release a book chapter detailing how her use of Packback has transformed her approach to teaching and her students’ learning experiences. This upcoming publication will provide valuable insights for educators looking to incorporate technology to inspire active learning and critical engagement.
The chapter will dive into:
- The challenges she faced in fostering meaningful discussions in her classes.
- How Packback helped her overcome these challenges by helping students learn through inquiry, debate, and research.
- The measurable impact on student outcomes, including improved engagement, higher-quality discussions, and greater intellectual curiosity.
An Inspiration to Educators Everywhere
Dr. Welch’s achievements serve as a testament to the power of innovation and dedication in education. Her recognition by the APA, her thoughtful integration of Packback into her courses, and her forthcoming book chapter are all examples of how she is leading the charge in creating engaging, student-centered, and authentic learning environments.
Packback is honored to support and be partnered with educators like Brynn, who are not only shaping the minds of their students but also contributing to the broader conversation about the future of education and technology’s role in the classroom. Her work demonstrates the transformative potential of combining traditional teaching methods with cutting-edge tools to inspire the next generation of thinkers and leaders.
We invite you to join us in congratulating Dr. Brynn Welch on her remarkable achievements! Her recognition by the APA and her continued contributions to the field of education are truly inspiring.
To learn more about her work, check out her APA interview and stay tuned for the release of her book chapter. Dr. Welch’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact educators can have when they embrace curiosity and innovation in the classroom.
Here’s to more milestones and continued success for Dr. Welch and her students!
