11 October 2006

Lecturers awarded prizes

Lecturers from the University of Dundee will today be awarded prizes for innovative teaching.

The awards were founded in 1994 by Dr Pat McPherson, a well known former honorary graduate of the University, with the support of other generous honorary graduates. The intention is to provide an opportunity to recognise and reward innovation and excellence in any aspect of teaching within the University, with each winning submission receiving a prize of £1,000.

Nominations are assessed on the demonstration of achievement in criteria such as the Enhancement of the quality of student learning, the enhancement of student achievement and/or progression, either within a course or a programme, or beyond the University or the enhancement of provision and opportunities for students with special needs.

Each year the successful winners give a presentation on their innovation at the dissemination event. This year, for the first time, the submissions which were highly commended will also provide poster presentations on their innovations.

Professor James Calderhead, Vice Principal of the University, says, "The Honorary Graduates Award was first established over 10 years ago. Each year, the University makes the award to a member of staff or to a team that has been involved in substantial innovation resulting in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning within the University. This year, the quality of the submissions was so high that the judging panel made 3 awards, one each in Law, Life Sciences and Education. Each award winner has developed innovative materials, often using new technology, to improve the quality of the student experience and to lead to more effective learning. The awards are very well deserved and demonstrate the commitment and dedication of staff in making students' learning exciting, rewarding and successful."

The winners of the Award for 2005-06 are:

Stuart Cross & David Cabrelli (Law) - ‘Law’s Online Mooting Package’

Linda Morris & Nicholas Brewer (Life Sciences Teaching Unit) - ‘Making first year chemistry modules a foundation course for Life Science students’

Elinor Vettraino (Education) - ‘The use of Forum theatre as a teaching tool within the TQFE programme’

The following submissions were also highly commended:

Margaret Forrest (Nursing & Midwifery) - ‘Online assessment to support students’ development of referencing skills’

Janet Hughes, D. Ramanee Peiris (Applied Computing), Hannah Whaley (LEU), Sue Grice & Niall O’Gribin (Applied Computing) - ‘Java Online’

Roger Young (Philosophy) - ‘Blended learning in the teaching of logic’

NOTES FOR EDITORS: the dissemination event will be held in the Baxter Conference Room at 12:30, until 4pm.

For media enquiries contact:

Anna Day
Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: a.c.day@dundee.ac.uk