Who’s YOUR best lecturer?
‘Tis the season to be jolly, merry, and generally giving – and in the world of Academic Affairs, that’s no different. That’s why I’m very happy to announce the Excellence in Teaching Awards that are to be introduced this year – and I want you to start thinking about you would want to recognise and celebrate!
In the world of representation, probably a disproportionate amount of time is spent talking about what can be improved, rather than what has worked brilliantly, which can be seen as unfairly disregarding the fact that the University of Southampton has some fantastic academics imparting their wisdom to students every day. Recognising brilliance is just as important as recognising areas for improvement, because that way, it’s clear what does work and resonates with students, which can then be easily implemented by other lecturers.
The Teaching Awards look to address this imbalance, and in March, you will have the opportunity to nominate your favourite lecturer across a range of categories. Every student will be able to nominate their favourite lecturer, before a series of selection panels made up of your Course Representatives, Academic Presidents, and Faculty Officers help decide who the winners for each award are at an Academic Unit, Faculty, and University level, based on your nominations.
March may be a long way off, but start thinking about who you would want to nominate. In its first year of running the Awards, we’ve decided to have 5 categories in total, covering all aspects of your teaching, learning, assessment and support experience, which you can see below.
What do you think about the idea of Teaching Awards? Leave your thoughts below!
The Categories
Outstanding Lecturer Award
- Demonstrated an outstanding commitment to delivering a high quality, engaging, learning experience for students
- Demonstrated the highest level of enthusiasm and passion for the course and teaching
- Offers intellectually challenging experiences for students that they are both enthused and stimulated by
Teaching & Learning Lifetime Achievement Award
- Demonstrated an endless commitment towards the continued enhancement of the teaching and learning experience over a long period of time.
- Pioneered innovative teaching methods and initiatives
- Inspired and had a lasting impact on students through teaching
Innovative Teaching Award
- Developed new ways of delivering teaching, learning and assessment, including utilising technology and e-learning methods
- Utilised a diverse range of learning activities to allow students to engage with the learning material in a variety of ways and develop a range of skills
- Demonstrated to have developed their teaching and learning by listening to student feedback, and actively communicating to students about the changes they’ve made
Best Feedback Award
- Gave a high level of detailed feedback to students on their work
- Delivered feedback in a variety of ways, including annotated essays, one-to-one sessions, seminar sessions, and online
- Demonstrated a strong desire and willingness to support students in developing their understanding of course material
Contribution to Academic Support Award
- Shown an exceptional commitment to supporting students academically
- Seen to have gone out of their way to advise and/or support students through difficulties with their course
- Especially for PhD supervisors, they developed a close working relationship with students, adapting their approach for each students’ needs
10/12/2012 at 2:04 pm Permalink
DEVORAH BAUM FOR BEST EVERYTHING.
10/12/2012 at 2:58 pm Permalink
Haha well I’ll expect that one come March!
Just in case it’s been unclear to other people – there will be a nominating website that goes live in March – this was just to get people thinking and see what you all thought!
10/12/2012 at 3:04 pm Permalink
Excellent idea to reward teaching excellence. It’s nice to recognise the effort some lecturers put in.
10/12/2012 at 4:11 pm Permalink
Can we recognise PhD students and demonstrators too?
Those tend to be a lot more committed and knowledgeable.
10/12/2012 at 4:17 pm Permalink
Indeed! There’s no limitations as to who is able to be nominated – if they do some form of teaching, they can be nominated! I’ll make this clear on the website in May, thanks!
16/12/2012 at 3:04 am Permalink
I think this is an absolutely fantastic idea, Sasha. I’ve been lucky to be blessed with several inspiring lecturers over the course of my undergraduate and postgraduate studies with the English Department – men and women who have been tremendously dedicated in their teaching and supervision, generous with their time, and often indispensably supportive in non-academic areas. I’d love to have a chance to see them lauded for this.
P.S. Devorah Baum is, indeed, Queen of All She Surveys. Where do I sign up for the club?
10/01/2013 at 7:15 pm Permalink
I study a joint degree – can I nominate from either discipline?
10/01/2013 at 8:03 pm Permalink
Indeed! No restrictions on who can vote for who!
28/01/2013 at 10:52 pm Permalink
This is an excellent idea in my opinion.
It is particularly nice to focus on something positive.
24/02/2013 at 7:23 pm Permalink
It is unbelievable that with so long teaching history University decided to establish it only now. Thank you for Excellent idea!