In this issue: - College of Education - Purdue University

DeVito C ontinues to Inspire
A D V O C A T E A I D A S S I S T B E N E F I T E N C O U R A G E E N D O R S E H E L P P R O V I D E S U P P O R T
22
Alfred DeVito
piece of paper can be used to
teach scientific principles for an
entire week or more. Alfred De-
Vito, Professor Emeritus of Education,
says “It’s possible. The paper can
be weighed and measured and tested for
absorption and sound. It can be used to
create a cylinder for calculating volume
or torn into pieces and tested for floatation
qualities. The possibilities are endless.”
It is this sense of creativity that has
engaged and inspired so many of DeVito’s
students over the years.
DeVito has been captivating students
since 1956 when he began his teaching
career as an elementary teacher. Subsequently
he spent 1966 to 1988 in education
at Purdue where he received a multitude
of awards for excellence in science
teaching, including being named in the
“Purdue University Book of Great Teachers.”
During his tenure and since he has
written dozens of articles, authored and
coauthored numerous books and presented
at many regional, national and international
organizations.
But what he may best be known for is
the connection he has with his students
and colleagues. In order to connect, De-
Vito explains, “You have to be half an actor—a
performer and a teacher. You have
to be creative and humorous.” Superintendent
of Crawfordsville Community
Schools, Kathy Steele, a former DeVito
student and coauthor with DeVito and
Gerald Krockover of Creative Teaching:
A Practical Approach, says, “Dr. DeVito
taught every one of his students how to
be prepared, creative, involved, and caring
through example. Throughout my
life he has persuaded me to take the next
challenge and always provided
the support and encouragement
needed.”
Professor of Science Education,
Gerald Krockover,
who looks to DeVito as his
mentor, mentions that De-
Vito is a “superb role model
who has never looked at
teaching as a job—it is an
opportunity to help.”
Upon DeVito’s retirement in 1988,
Krockover wanted to recognize him and
his accomplishments. DeVito had already
won about every teaching award given at
Purdue so Krockover decided to set up a
scholarship in DeVito’s honor. The Alfred
DeVito Scholar Program awards scholarships
to outstanding first year education
students. The scholars participate in a
course where they are provided the opportunity
to explore the field of education
through school visits and presentations
by professional educators. The students
are also given the chance to engage in research
with a faculty member. The purpose
of the scholarship is to retain high
achieving students in education.
Janet Robinson has been teaching the
course since the fall of 2002 and finds the
experience quite rewarding. At the end
of each course DeVito participates in the
students’ research project presentations.
Robinson says, “It is very generous of Dr.
DeVito to come and participate. The students
always enjoy his visit.”
Amanda Fox, DeVito Scholar 2004-
2005, says, “This scholarship not only
helped financially during my freshman
year, but opened the door to countless
opportunities that few other undergrad
students have the privilege of experiencing.
It’s essential for students—especially
freshmen—to be aware of all the amazing
opportunities and resources Purdue
University and the College of Education
“Building relationships with
professors, faculty, alumni,
and distinguished people like
Dr. DeVito are the key
to a successful and
rewarding college career.”
have to offer. Building relationships with
professors, faculty, alumni, and distinguished
people like Dr. DeVito are the
key to a successful and rewarding college
career.”
In addition to continued involvement
in education at Purdue, DeVito also takes
time to travel to the Montessori School of
Crawfordsville to do science projects with
the children. “The children really look
forward to his visits. Projects range from
experiments with electricity to growing
bean plants to balancing balls on columns
of air. He has a great rapport with the children”
says Margo Campanelli, director of
the Montessori School of Crawfordsville.
DeVito feels that the key to teaching is
creativity, planning and preparation. “It
primarily involves a four letter word—
work,” he says. He has always strived to
improve his methods. And now, eighteen
years after retiring, he continues to engage
and inspire.