"That means not only doing your best work at all times, but also being respectful by showing up on time, and letting me know if you're not able to attend a class. I can be very strict about that."
The key to making it work, she says, is balance. "You can't expect a lot from your students and then leave them on their own. You must provide them with the tools and guidance to be successful. I'm very passionate and enthusiastic about helping my students succeed."
And clearly her students appreciate her combination of structure and warmth - after all, they nominated her for a 2020 Distinguished Teaching Award, which she received this past June. "I believe that it is crucial for students to have a complete picture of what will be expected of them," Wagner says of her approach. "I have noticed that when students know the learning goals and receive feedback, they feel supported."
We talked to Dr. Wagner about how she creates connections between the European Union and her Alberta students, and what she loves about teaching.
