Dr. Xi Zhu

Spring 2025 Winner

Xi’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive, student-centered environment where learners from diverse backgrounds can think critically, engage actively, and grow into independent scholars. She structures her courses around three core objectives: introducing students to new and challenging concepts, promoting critical thinking through empirical evidence and sociological tools, and cultivating a collaborative learning community. Her approach encourages students to explore diverse perspectives and develop a sense of belonging within the classroom.

To support this inclusive learning environment, Xi designs activities that prompt personal reflection and cross-cultural dialogue. She encourages students to examine how their backgrounds shape their views, using tools like the video Unequal Childhoods to explore themes of family and inequality. These discussions help students connect course material to their lived experiences, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of social issues. Students often cite these reflective and interdisciplinary conversations as some of the most impactful aspects of her courses.

Xi also emphasizes the importance of critical analysis and real-world application. In courses like Sociology of Medicine, she engages students in debates on contemporary issues such as paid paternity leave and social media, using current events like the COVID-19 pandemic to illustrate systemic inequalities. Her diverse teaching methods—including lectures, simulations, discussions, and collaborative assignments—encourage students to become active participants in their education. By recognizing each student’s individuality and promoting intellectual curiosity, Xi creates a dynamic classroom where both she and her students grow together.

What Students Say

Ms. Zhu provided a rich, personalized learning environment that equipped students with a thorough presentation of the course topics and the tools they needed for success. Ms. Zhu’s passion for teaching and care for her students was evident through her outstanding leadership in class as an instructor and I am grateful to have had the honor to learn from her.