Irwin Chan

Irwin Chan is a Sessional Instructor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia (UBC), within the Faculty of Arts. He holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), an MA from University College London (UCL), and a PhD from UBC. His academic focus centers on pedagogical research, particularly in teaching and learning methodologies in philosophy. He specializes in formative assessment, mastery learning, and innovative exam formats like group exams. His work emphasizes improving student performance and reducing academic stress through evidence-based practices.

Dr. Chan has conducted research on group/two-stage exams and mastery learning, publishing in Teaching Philosophy and presenting at national and international conferences. He is certified as a CIRTL Scholar, reflecting his commitment to integrating research, teaching, and learning. His teaching spans ethics, critical thinking, and philosophy, prioritizing student-centered approaches and interactive learning.

His current research explores mastery learning’s application in philosophy education, aiming to enhance student achievement through iterative feedback and structured opportunities. Previous projects include evaluating group exams’ efficacy and fairness in philosophy courses. He actively contributes to pedagogical workshops and collaborates with institutions to promote teaching innovations.