Awarded Teacher of the Year by the Electrical Engineering Chapter

What do you think led to this award?

"That is a tricky question to answer. It was an incredible surprise. The course Analogue Electronics has had excellent ratings over the years from the students, and there have been no major changes in the material from last year. Perhaps the only change I made for the fall semester was to encourage students to attend and participate in our planned guest lectures and scientific lectures. This is because, during the pandemic, much focus shifted to online material and teaching. It has affected the personal contact between teachers and students, which is extremely important in creating a motivating learning environment."

"The course has been considered challenging, something that all of us who have taken it at some point know! The key to managing this well has been to make the course as fun and motivating as possible. The aim has been for students to feel at home when they come to our planned activities. When they enjoy the subject and are motivated, they are ready to make the extra effort required to complete different tasks."

The Board is delighted that Saul was nominated and selected as the 2023 Teacher of the Year. The members of the chapter greatly appreciate his teaching and learning. We look forward to his participation as the guest of honour at our annual Spring Ball.

Johan Höglund, Chair, Konglig Elektrosektion

What is your favourite thing about teaching students?

"Teaching our future engineers is a huge responsibility. When the course starts, all students have expectations: is this a good course? Will I learn something useful? Being able to fulfil the students' expectations while keeping all the learning objectives during the course is a big challenge. It requires a lot of reflection, humility, and commitment."

"A hiring committee can name a person as an associate professor or professor, but respect and appreciation from students cannot be given. This is something that the individual teacher should earn every day in their daily work, from the first day of the course to completing the examination and course evaluation. Being part of that process as a teacher is a fantastic journey."

You have been at KTH for 20 years. Is there anything special you have taken from your first time here?

"I have been at KTH as a master's student, doctoral student, researcher, assistant professor, and associate professor. In my first years, I realised there was something extraordinary about KTH."

"When I meet my friends from when I was a student or my former students who graduated, I am happy to see how well they are doing in their work. Despite all my years at KTH, I cannot define precisely what is so special about KTH, but indeed, we are doing something good that is worth preserving."

How important would you say that cooperation between colleagues is for successful teaching?

"I have had many great teachers and mentors during my time at KTH, all of whom have influenced my educational philosophy in one way or another. Last but not least, our assistants are essential. My PhD student Yu-Kai Huang has been central in the course Analogue Electronics. The honour of the award is very much his as well."

The motivation

"This year's teacher of the year goes to a person whose teaching has been highly appreciated by the students but who has also shown a strong commitment and goodwill for the best interests of the students. The teaching has focused on the central concepts of the course and has been structured in a way that has facilitated the students' learning. He has been approachable, understanding, and willing to sacrifice his time to answer all the students' questions and show that he cares. At the same time, there has been a drive to broaden the student's view of the subject by bringing in competent guest lecturers who have given a broader view of what the knowledge in the field can be used for. All this and much more is why the Royal Electrical Section appointed Saul Rodriguez as Teacher of the Year 2023."

Interview: Charlotta Alnersson