ESB Professor Nello Gaspardo receives state award for quality of teaching

Minister for Science Prof. Dr. Peter Frankenberg presented the award to Prof. Gaspardo during a ceremony at Konstanz University of Applied Science.

ESB professor Nello Gaspardo has received an award of the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg for the innovative quality of his teaching. Minister for Science Prof. Dr. Peter Frankenberg presented the award to Prof. Gaspardo during a ceremony at Konstanz University of Applied Science. Professor Gaspardo is head of the ESB Study Programme International Management in the International Partnership of Business Schools and has taught in the International Marketing MBA Programme since 1992. 

Students showed their satisfaction with his classes by awarding him the “Teacher of the Year” award in winter semester 2005 / 2006, and by a number of other positive evaluations. The students, most of whom already have professional experience, thus showed that Professor Gaspardo is able to evoke real enthusiasm for his subject. They especially praised the clear and logical structure of his classes and the atmosphere of trust, fairness, and respect between teacher and students. 

Prof Gaspardo’s subjects are Presentation Techniques, Rhetoric, International Negotiations, and Leadership. Students especially appreciate the highly-innovative nature of his classes, which are held mostly in English. This is brought to life by the combination of teaching of theory with practical exercises by individuals and groups in the form of debates and simulated negotiations.  Prof. Gaspardo places great emphasis on the significance of body language in business situations.

This State Award for teaching was introduced in 1996, is made to between five and seven professors every year, and since 2007 includes of prize of 56,000 euros in total. The money is to be used for innovative projects in teaching.  Winners are selected on the basis of nominations by students and the senates of the universities involved, the committee to promote quality in teaching, and the Conference of University Presidents, with the final decision being made by the Ministry of Science.