University lecturer is top of her class

An “inspirational” University of Dundee lecturer has been hailed for her innovative teaching methods after winning a prestigious national award.

The Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) named Gil Martin as its Lecturer of the Year at its annual awards ceremony in Edinburgh.

Ms Martin, a Dundee graduate who joined the social work lecturing staff three years ago, was honoured by judges after surprising students with a real-life lesson in letter writing.

Dr Trish McCulloch, Social Work Lead at Dundee who nominated her colleague for the award, said, “Gil created a simulated exercise, with students writing a letter to a service user following a referral.

“While doing so in the belief that Gil would be assessing the letters, instead she showed them to a real service user, who stunned the class by attending a lecture and responding to them in person as a potential real-world recipient.

“He told class members how their letters made him feel, how they related to his needs, and provided real terms feedback to students on what is a routine but important aspect of social work.

“It is that kind of direct feedback that students can really benefit from and it is just one of several examples of Gil’s commitment to providing the best quality of learning for our students here at Dundee.”

Coinciding with World Social Work Day, the ceremony at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton Hotel featured leading figures in the sector from throughout Scotland.

Presenting Gil with her accolade was Scotland’s Minister for Childcare and Early Years Maree Todd MSP, watched on by colleagues from social work education and practice.

“Gil is a graduate of Dundee and, from the beginning, she has impressed as both a committed and creative lecturer,” continued Dr McCulloch.

“She has always given 100% and is dedicated to teaching and learning. She remains student-centred but maintains a humility about herself.

“Her teaching methods are inspirational for students, University colleagues and partners in Dundee and beyond and it is fantastic news that Gil’s work should receive national recognition.”

Attached picture shows (L-R): Dr Trish McCulloch, Minister for Childcare and Early Years Maree Todd MSP, Gil Martin, Jon Bolton from the Scottish Organisation for Practice Teaching (SCOPT).


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