Dr. Mohammad Rabbani, associate professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is being presented with the 2024 Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. Rabbani, who has been teaching at UW-Platteville since 2013, has made lasting contributions to UW-Platteville’s chemistry department.
Based on his earlier teaching experiences using traditional lecturing techniques and flipped classroom techniques, Rabbani recently developed a semi-flipped classroom technique, which effectively engages chemistry students in in-classroom and outside-classroom activities. He also developed simulation experiments that cover all General Chemistry II lab sections on both of UW-Platteville’s campuses.
Rabbani says engaging students is a key challenge in effective teaching. He enjoys the “aha” moment when he realizes students are motivated and engaged in study materials and hopes students take away hands-on experience, motivation and confidence from his classes.
“One of Dr. Rabbani’s greatest strengths is his dedication to the success and well-being of his students,” said Joe Sommers, a former student of Rabbani and one of his nominators. “He goes above and beyond to ensure that every student receives the support and guidance they need to excel academically. His willingness to provide extra help outside of class hours and his approachable nature create a supportive learning environment that encourages students to thrive.”
Rabbani attends workshops, conferences and webinars to learn new teaching methods. One example of his passion for teaching chemistry is that Rabbani helps a group of Platteville Middle School students who perform chemistry experiments and participate in the state-level Science Olympiad competition.
“Dr. Rabbani’s effectiveness in teaching stems from his passion for teaching chemistry and his love for it,” said Ryan Beckley, a former student of Rabbani and one of his nominators. “I can tell he really enjoys teaching [chemistry] based on his attitude both inside the classroom and outside.”
Rabbani said he enjoys teaching a wide variety of courses, leading students in undergraduate research, writing successful grants and providing service to the chemistry department, the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science and UW-Platteville, as well as the community through various outreach activities. He feels truly honored to be named the recipient of the 2024 Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence and this recognition inspires him to continue his best efforts to engage students.
“I am thankful to my colleagues and students who inspired and nominated me for this award,” said Rabbani.
Rabbani will be recognized at UW-Platteville's convocation ceremony this fall.