Peter Frost

- Faculty; On campus

“I get inspired when I have reached a student.”
Associate Professor Peter Frost’s teaching philosophy is “encourage students to learn by doing.”  Students encounter a variety of hands-on experiences in Frost’s classes, including class activities and experiments.

Frost, who teaches psychology and won the university’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2007, believes that if he can engage students, they will learn the concepts.

“By adopting their own research and being engaged in their own scholarship, students feel like they own the knowledge,” he says.

Frost uses a variety of teaching techniques – visuals, lectures, discussions, activities -- to ensure every student grasps the concepts.

“My teaching style does not encourage a passive learning response, where I say, ‘here is the information, now put it in your head,’” he says. Instead, it’s “here is the knowledge, what can we do with it and let us exchange ideas.”

“I get inspired when I have reached a student or they find some research they are interested in pursuing,” he says. “That makes my day.”

Frost and his students have published research in a number of psychology journals. He also advises the Psychology Student Association, an organization which hosts guest speakers, sponsors community events, and organizes trips to professional conferences.

“Students can connect with one another and develop their professional life outside of the classroom,” he says. “I enjoy seeing students progress.”