matt jones

From anonymous surveys:
 

“I feel comfortable enough to fail and to ask strange questions” (Advanced Seminar in Theatre and Performance, University of Toronto, 2017)
 

“[I appreciate] the variation of topics each week, the diverse set of readings, the fact that classes are held in a seminar-like manner, your friendly approachable demeanor.” (Advanced Seminar in Theatre and Performance, University of Toronto, 2017)
 

“I very much like how easy you’ve made it to foster discussion. You let us go on tangents up to a point, which I appreciate. You allow us to stumble as we try to organically form notions and ideas, within reason, at our own pace” (Advanced Seminar in Theatre and Performance, University of Toronto, 2017)
 

“We talked about the topic with each other as a group of 3 or 4 in the last few weeks. I think it helps me to improve my English and be more brave to speak out.” (Critical Writing, University of Toronto, 2019)

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From teaching evaluations:
 

“The use of cultural artefacts paired with theoretical pieces created thought-provoking convergences of understanding and meaning towards the larger understanding of colonial perception and narratives.” (Settler Colonial Ways of Seeing, McMaster University, 2022)

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“[Matt] is very clear in his instruction and lectures, highly approachable, highly considerate, and tries his best to make sure we have as much opportunity to learn as possible while also mitigating the stress of university.” (Twentieth-Century Drama, University of Toronto, 2020)

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“The open environment allowed us not only to speak our minds, but refine each others ideas and come t[o] greater conclusions. Matt's mediation of these discussions was invaluable.” (Advanced Seminar in Theatre and Performance, University of Toronto, 2017)
 

"He captures our attention and uses several different media to ensure we understand the course material and actually interests us. He makes real life current connections to the course material to further our understanding!” (Theatre History I, University of Windsor, 2019)

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“The lectures were very well thought out and stimulating.” (Canadian Drama, University of Toronto, 2019)

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“Matt was very helpful when I was struggling with my assignment; he patiently went through everything that I didn't understand, and helped me get through my presentation this semester.” (Advanced Seminar in Theatre and Performance, University of Toronto, 2017)
 

“The instructor was very engaging and animated in each lecture/class, inviting the students to partake in in-class readings of play excerpts for participation.” (Theatre History I, University of Toronto, , UTSC, 2016)

 

“Professor Jones was very enthusiastic about Canadian Drama and theatre in general and every week the class was an enjoyable experience. He made the environment very interactive with the way he made us participate in class.” (Canadian Drama, University of Toronto, 2019)

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“I liked how anti-colonialist you tried to be, not only focusing on western traditions” (Theatre History I, University of Windsor, 2019)

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From unsolicited messages:

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"As a racialized person, the inclusion of stories from all over the world made me feel seen. You really went out of your way to make the classroom more inclusive, through a syllabus that was representative of the students you taught. You also approached every class with kindness and compassion, knowing it was a difficult time for everyone." (Modern Drama, University of Toronto, 2021)

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“I learnt so much from your course that I cannot imagine myself without this newfound knowledge, understanding, and ability to think critically.” (Settler Colonial Ways of Knowing, McMaster, 2022)

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“This class was eye-opening, with so many new perspectives, and I am very grateful for this experience. Thank you for allowing us to be. Although it is a colonial space, you taught the class with openness, no judgment, and fluidity like we were learning from the land.” (Theories of Decolonization and Resistance, McMaster, 2021)

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“I'm also emailing to say thank you for this class. I have a small background in theatre, but I mostly understood it from a western/Eurocentric lens. After taking this course, I feel like I have been able to open my mind, plus I thought it was interesting to see how different cultures and religions use theatre and ritual in so many different ways.” (Timelines of Performance History, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2021) ​

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“You probably do not know this but ENG100 with you was my very first class at university. I was super nervous going into it as I had no idea what to expect but your warm welcome and chill vibe made it very enjoyable and took a lot of stress off me, and for that I want to thank you. I will never forget my very first university class as well as the professor who made it so amazing.” (Effective Writing, University of Toronto, 2021)

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“I just wanted to say thank you for a great semester. It was refreshing to see your teaching style; it was different from my usual business courses. I wasn't used to professors being so accommodating and listening to students needs to figure out ways to make class more enjoyable for them.” (Toronto Metropolitan University, 2021)

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“Initially, I was nervous to take the Modern Drama course, as I had no experience studying theatre, however, I'm so glad I did as it has definitely been one of my favourite courses in undergrad thus far!! Thank you for taking the time to meet with me during office hours and provide such detailed feedback and encouragement for all of my ideas. I really think this course helped me become a better writer and has inspired me to take some more drama courses in the future!” (Modern Drama, University of Toronto, 2021) ​

 

“Modern Drama was one of my favourite courses at UofT. It not only pushed me to analyze written texts but study film adaptions of plays and understand how aspects like lighting, camera angles, technique, and dialogue work together to create meaning.” (Modern Drama, University of Toronto, 2021)