Teaching Medal Award Winner

L. Ayu Saraswati
Manoa

L. Ayu Saraswati is an associate professor for the Department of Women’s Studies at UH Manoa.

Saraswati draws on feminist pedagogy to emphasize student engagement and involves students in the production of knowledge through the use of collaborative projects, peer review and participatory digital media. As digital technology becomes a dominant mode through which the world is experienced, she has thought more creatively about her pedagogy and about the spaces in which she teaches.

Saraswati’s motivation and passion for the subjects she teaches is one of many reasons why students continue taking classes with her. She consistently creates an atmosphere of respect and excitement, which in turn fosters critical discussion among students.

Saraswati is also commended for the synergy, productivity, mentoring and professional development that she generates among the group of teaching assistants. In a department with a growing graduate certificate program, she practices capable expertise and leadership in directing the program and managing the considerable demand for a PhD in the field of women’s studies that her leadership is generating.