Dr John Debs
What I can offer as a Mentor
Dr John Debs teaches students from a range of backgrounds to ‘think like a physicist’. His blended teaching approach comprising inquiry-based learning, hands-on design, building and making, encouragement of independent thought and critical thinking has inspired his colleagues in the design of their own courses. Dr Debs’ ability to affect cultural change on campus and enhance student learning is evidenced through his design and implementation of the Mike Gore Centre for Physics Education at The Australian National University, comprising innovative learning spaces, and most significantly the transformative ‘ANU Makerspace’. Boasting membership from five of the seven colleges at the university, the ANU Makerspace has allowed students and staff of all ages and backgrounds to work on projects, and share knowledge and ideas with a range of innovative equipment and resources at their fingertips. http://makerspace.anu.edu.au/