28 May 2009

Excellence and innovation in teaching recognised

Academics from the University of Dundee have had their contribution to teaching at the University recognised with a series of awards that celebrate excellent and innovative teaching.

The Honorary Graduates’ Award for Innovative Teaching, Senate Award for Excellence in Teaching, and Chancellor’s Award for Lifetime Contribution to Teaching recognise different aspects of achievement, and are presented on an annual basis.

The Honorary Graduates’ Award for Innovative Teaching has been presented annually since 1994, providing the opportunity to recognise and reward innovation in any aspect of teaching within the University. Winning submissions receive £1,000.

The 2008/09 winners, who now have the opportunity to present to colleagues at Learning & Teaching Lunches in the autumn, are:

• Dr Nicholas Brewer, School of Life Sciences (Learning and Teaching) and Ms Margaret Adamson, Library & Learning Centre.
• Mr Andy Milligan, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.
• Dr Mhairi Towler, College of Life Sciences and Ms Janice Aitken, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Submissions from the following members of staff were highly commended by the judging panel:

• Dr Janet Hughes and Professor Peter Gregor, School of Computing.
• Ms Fiona Muir, Ms Sally Bradley, Ms Isabella McLafferty, Ms Irene McTaggart, School of Nursing and Midwifery.
• Ms Phyllis Winters, Ms Iona Duckett, Ms Clare Winter, School of Nursing and Midwifery & Montrose Maternity Unit.

The University’s Vice-Principal of Educational Development, Professor James Calderhead said, 'The University aims to excel in both teaching and research and recognises and rewards innovation, excellence and outstanding achievement in contributions to teaching through the Teaching Awards structure.'

'The high standards of teaching at the University have been reflected in this year's submissions made for the Honorary Graduates' Award and the Senate Award, and further endorsed by student nominations for the Senate Award.'

'We are also delighted to be able to announce the winners of this year's inaugural Chancellor's Award for Lifetime Contribution to Teaching which sees three colleagues recognised for their contributions.'

The Senate Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Chancellor's Award for Lifetime Contribution to Teaching have been developed as part of the university's Learning & Teaching Strategy.

These awards reflect a commitment to recognising and rewarding achievement in excellence in teaching, mentoring new colleagues in their roles as teachers in higher education, pedagogical research and the demonstration of effective leadership in this field of academic practice.

Students are encouraged to take an active role in the Senate award by nominating their lecturers. The winners of the Chancellor's Award are nominated by individual Schools within the University, and nominations are endorsed at College level.

The winners of the Senate Award for Excellence in Teaching 2008-09, who each receive a certificate of recognition, a personal prize of £3,000 and the title of Senate Award Fellow, are:

• Professor Mono Chatterji, School of Social & Environmental Sciences.
• Dr Fraser Smith, School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics.

Dr James Stewart of the School of Humanities, College of Art and Social Sciences was highly commended for his work.

Professor Margery Davis, Centre for Medical Education, Dr Allan Jones, School of Life Sciences (Learning & Teaching), and Robin White, School of Law all received this year’s Chancellor’s Award for Lifetime Contribution to Teaching.

They will each receive a certificate of recognition, the title of Chancellor's Award Fellow, an invitation to an award dinner hosted by the Principal and/or other senior members of the University, and the opportunity to accept the award as part in the University's Graduation ceremony.

The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony in the Autumn.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk