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Four Educational Psychology Alums Receive 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award

Please join us in welcoming, honoring, and learning from four UIUC Educational Psychology alumni who are among the seven 2009 recipients of the College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. Thomas Andre, 1971 graduate, is a Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at Iowa State University. His long list of leadership positions includes past president of the Midwestern Educational Research Association, and his most recent publication is a 2008 co-authored article, “The impact of learners’ prior knowledge on their use of chemistry computer simulations: a case study,” in the Journal of Science Education and Technology. His graduate teaching has most often focused on learning, cognition, and motivation in school situations, with emphasis on learning in educational situations and application to the classroom. The two major themes of his research have been facilitation of productive learning and conceptual change. VITA

Dr. Alvin Leung, 1988 graduate, is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.  His scientific achievements have included research and publications on cross-cultural career counseling and interest assessment. He currently serves as chair of the International Section of the Society of Counseling Psychology and received the 2008 Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of the Counseling profession Award.  His most recent publication (now in press in The Counseling Psychologist) is a co-authored article, “Developing counseling psychology in Chinese communities in Asia: Indigenous, multicultural, and cross-cultural considerations.” VITA

Dr. Ólafur Proppé, 1983 graduate, is a Professor Emeritus from the School of Education at the University of Iceland.  He is also a former President of that university. His research priorities have included strengthening professionalism in teacher education and connecting studies and research in the field of education. His CV highlights not only professional achievements but also a long history of community service, most recently as school board chair for Alftanes, Iceland, and official recognitions for those services, including the 2008 “Shield of Honor,” the highest recognition by the Icelandic Association of Search and Rescue. VITA

Dr. Allan Wigfield, 1982 graduate, is a Professor of Human Development at the University of Maryland.  His research has focused on the development of children’s motivation in different areas across the school years.  He has also studied how instructional practices in school influences children’s motivation and achievement, especially in the area of reading. He currently has a co-authored book in-press, Handbook of Motivation in School.  VITA

More information on the College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award (including past winners) can be found here.