A team from The University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus presented their research on a new teaching partnership model at the 68th World Social Science Association Conference, according to an April 19 announcement. The group highlighted their Pedagogical Partnership Program, which aims to strengthen classroom engagement and inclusion by pairing faculty with student partners.
The program is modeled after a similar initiative at Bryn Mawr College and is the first of its kind in New Mexico. It connects faculty members with students who are not enrolled in their courses, creating opportunities for observation, dialogue, and feedback throughout the semester. This approach encourages open communication and reflection between students and instructors.
Dr. Julia So, assistant professor of sociology; Cindi Goodman, professor of mathematics; Sarah Heyward, professor of fine arts; along with student partners Esther Grace Cordova and Eden Ortega made up the UNM-Valencia team that presented at the conference. Through this program, student partners observe classes and provide input on teaching methods. Faculty then use this feedback to adjust instruction methods as needed.
By fostering trust and respect between participants, the program seeks to increase students’ sense of belonging while encouraging them to take an active role in their education. The initiative reflects a broader movement within higher education to rethink traditional classroom roles by centering student voices in learning processes.
The University of New Mexico has more than 200,000 alumni worldwide who have contributed significantly across fields such as national academies and major publications according to the official website. The university also serves over 24,000 students across its main campus and branches as reported by the official website.
Beyond academics, UNM’s athletics program—the Lobos—competes in the Mountain West Conference with University Arena recognized among top college basketball venues according to the official website. The campus features Pueblo Revival architecture and popular locations like its duck pond as described on its website. UNM is also known for being ranked among top public schools nationally including high marks for primary care medical schools and diversity metrics according to U.S. News & World Report via UNM’s site.
UNM also acts as a cultural resource through libraries, museums, galleries, performance spaces while promoting diversity and community engagement as stated on its official site.
