16 March 2012
College of Arts and Social Sciences teaching awards
Picture shows (LtoR) Prof Rob Duck, Deputy Head of the College of Arts and Social Science, Dr Neil Burford, Joseph Thurrott (both Architecture), Lynn Boyle (School of Education Social Work and Community Education) and Carey Normand, Head of Learning and Teaching College of Arts and Social Science.
A project to build the UK's first entirely energy autonomous building in the Dundee's Botanic Gardens and a regular evening virtual get-together for students have been rewarded in the College of Arts and Social Sciences Teaching Awards for 2011-12.
Two main prizes were awarded, for Innovation In Teaching and for Excellence In Teaching.
Dr Neil Burford and Joseph Thurrott, from Architecture, part of the School of the Environment, were named winners of the Innovation prize, while Lynn Boyle, from the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education, took the Excellence prize.
Dr Burford and Mr Thurrott were named winners of the Innovation prize for their project to build an energy autonomous building. This research led teaching project involves students from across architecture, renewable energy and engineering in developing and delivering the building in the University's Botanic Garden. The project is designed to mainstream integrated solutions for zero energy buildings thereby enabling Scottish Industry to meet the future stringent environmental legislation governing the energy efficiency of buildings.
Crucially it will reinforce the relevance and significantly enhance the quality of existing teaching programmes beyond the scope of the study thereby educating a future generation of energy responsible designers.
The project involves students in the design development and construction of the building, engaging with a wide spectrum of stakeholders in the building industry, including professional engineering consultancy, statutory consents for Planning and Building Control, manufacturers and suppliers. In addition, students have worked with research organisations to incorporate highly innovative ideas and technologies within the design. Planning Permission was awarded in November and the prototype building will be constructed over the subsequent months.
Lynn Boyle, from the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education, took the Excellence prize for her innovative and engaging approach to working with students on the BA in Childhood Practice programme.
Her teaching involves leading a tutorial/webinar via the Adobe Connect platform every Monday evening, where students can ask questions and meet online to discuss their studies and get a ½ hour lecture on a particular module, study skills or relevant issues. Students know Lynn will be online, giving them access to a tutor and the opportunity to discuss the latest news and issues in Childcare.
This is especially important as her students are all employed as early years educators and carers, mainly those who manage childcare centres, and are dispersed throughout the world.
Professor Robert Duck, Deputy Head of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, said, "We have had some great examples of innovation and excellence in teaching across the College but our winners stood out as offering inspiring, innovative and engaging programmes which have been extremely well received by the most important people - our students."
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