2024 3Minute Teach Winners
Congratulations to the 3Mintue Teach Winners
This spring, many graduate students spent countless hours writing and practicing their 3-minute Teach (3MTeach) presentations. Spring 2024 as the inaugural 3MTeach competition at Oklahoma State University. Inspired by the research communication 3 Minute Thesis® competition and Grad Teach Live! at the University of Kentucky, the goal is for students to convey their teaching philosophy and share an example of how that is put into practice in their teaching.
With a strict three-minute time limit, competitors must deliver their presentations with precision, as any overtime results in disqualification. The clock starts ticking the moment the presenter begins, whether through speech or movement, emphasizing the importance of concise and engaging communication.
The Oklahoma State University Graduate College proudly announces the outstanding winners of the 2024 3MTeach competition, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of graduate students in various disciplines.
First Place Winner, Bek Urban, a doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program under the guidance of Dr. Douglas Knutson, reflects on their participation in the 3MTeach competition, recognizing its profound impact on both their academic and professional journey. Bek states, “3MTeach really made me stop to think about how I can communicate my approach to teaching in a quick and efficient way. I plan to go on the academic job market soon and this competition has helped me refine how I plan to present my teaching philosophy and impact in the classroom.”
In the second place, Nathaniel Bolujoko, a doctoral student in Environmental Science under the guidance of Dr. Kiranmay Mangalgiri, reflected on his experience, acknowledging the adjustment needed to ensure clarity on his delivery." As a native English speaker, I had no issues communicating in English, but I realized I talk too fast because I feel so comfortable talking in English. I had to get used to speaking more slowly to accommodate everyone who was listening. I feel more confident engaging in public speaking now than I did before the competition. I also learned the importance of time management, especially in communicating important information within a short time without missing important details."
In third place, is Anisha Sharma, a doctoral student in Experimental Psychology under the guidance of Dr. Celina Reese-Melancon. Anisha emphasized the professional growth she experienced through the competition. Anisha says, “Participating in the competition at Oklahoma State University was a significant milestone for me as a first-year student. Engaging in the event afforded me invaluable opportunities to expand my network and engage in meaningful discussions with peers and graduate students from diverse disciplines. Engaging with peers and hearing their perspectives allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of different fields and their practical applications. Moreover, the event exposed me to innovative ideas and approaches, which I can now incorporate into my academic pursuits.”
Winning the People’s Choice award, Pratikshya Paudel, a doctoral candidate in Chemistry mentored by Dr. Smita Mohanty, shared, " Taking part in this 3-minute teaching competition was a valuable learning experience for me. It taught me how to convey a message or teaching philosophy shortly and concisely, akin to an elevator speech, ensuring everyone could understand.”
A message to future participants, by Pratikshya Paudel, “I advise you not to be afraid, embrace new experiences, and remember that nobody is perfect; growth comes from experience. If I can do it, then anyone can too.”
Overall, the 2024 3MTeach competition at OSU showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of graduate students across disciplines. Through their participation, students not only refined their communication skills but also gained invaluable insights and professional growth opportunities. the 2024 3MTeach competition at OSU showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of graduate students across disciplines. Through their participation, students not only refined their communication skills but also gained invaluable insights and professional growth opportunities.
View the photos of the event here