Bamberg Wins Prize for Teaching

Paul G. Bamberg, Jr., '63, Lecturer on Physics, is the first winner of the White Prize for excellence in teaching.

Since he came to Harvard four years ago, Bamberg has been primarily interested in teaching undergraduates and developing new teaching techniques. By cutting into his time for research, this interest may jeopardize his future at Harvard.

Although Bamberg said that the Physics Department has put "no direct publish-or-perish pressure on me," and has been "very accommodating" about his teaching interest, he said he thinks his chances of receiving tenure are slim.

Bamberg helped initiate the use of taped lectures and overhead projectors in teaching Physics 1. In Physics 181, he used musical interludes in the lecture tapes and distributed lecture notes.

Instead of doing research, Bamberg is writing a textbook for Physics 1. Explaining his decision, he said, "I would rather write something 10,000 people will read than write for an audience of 100." He hopes to do research after he completes his book.

The Prize

Established by Harold T. White, Jr. '37, the prize is given to a non-tenured instructor or teaching fellow for outstanding teaching in the introductory courses in Physics or Applied Physics. A joint student-faculty committee selected Bamberg for the prize and presented it to him at a luncheon given in his honor at the Faculty Club last Thursday.