2016 Metcalf Award Recipient: Manher Jariwala

Manher Jariwala is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics. He specializes in condensed matter physics, educational technology, and teacher education, and is a nationally recognized leader in pedagogical innovation in physics education at all levels. He bases his educational philosophy on cognitive research findings that students learn better by doing than by watching.

At Boston University since 2007, Dr. Jariwala has taught several courses in physics and physics education, including what a colleague calls “one of the toughest jobs in academia: teaching the required -general physics sequence to non-majors.” Facing that challenge head-on, Dr. Jariwala has transformed introductory physics—where students previously listened to lectures—into an interactive, engaged experience. A colleague in the College of Arts & Sciences states, “He is transforming how students learn at BU.”

Student evaluations speak to his effectiveness. They portray a professor who is enthusiastic, friendly, helpful, and “has the ability to simplify complicated subjects and explain them to anyone.” He has been called “my favorite professor by far,” “the best science professor at BU,” and, simply, “spectacular.” Students find his classes very difficult—but they love them.

Another innovative approach to education co-founded by Dr. Jariwala is the Learning Assistant Program at BU. The program takes students who have recently finished selected courses and trains them in science education pedagogy. They then serve as learning assistants who can readily identify with student -difficulties and can also expertly guide others in their learning.

Dr. Jariwala holds three degrees in physics: a Bachelor of Science from Stanford University and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Maryland. He is the author of numerous widely cited papers and presentations on physics and physics education. In addition, Dr. Jariwala has been recognized repeatedly for his excellence as an educator, including receiving the 2015 College of Arts & Sciences’ Neu Family Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Provost’s 2014 Gitner Family Award for Innovation in Teaching with Technology.