Teaching excellence rewarded

Recipients of the Oxford Teaching Awards 2011.

At a ceremony at Convocation House on 10 November 42 Oxford University staff received awards in recognition of their excellent teaching.

The Oxford University Teaching Awards recognise different ways to engage students and help them learn, from creating new courses to innovative use of audio and video podcasts and the delivery of exceptional lectures and demonstrations.

The scheme, which is coordinated by the Oxford Learning Institute, recognises excellence in college and University teaching, with the winners selected by their divisions or faculties. In addition to academic staff, the award winners include a number of administrative and support staff, including library staff, who were recognised for their contributions to the success of University courses.

The award certificates were presented by Professor Andrew Hamilton, the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford. Twelve of the award winners received grants to support educational projects aimed at improving teaching.

Many of the awards have been made following feedback from undergraduates, graduates and members of staff who have singled out the special contribution of those involved in promoting the highest standards of teaching and learning.Among those receiving awards were Professor Nick Rawlins, Professor Valpy FitzGerald, Daria Martin, and Anne-Marie Canning.

Professor Nick Rawlins, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Development and External Affairs) and member of the Department of Experimental Psychology and Wolfson College, received an award recognising the outstanding contribution he has made to postgraduate education in Oxford over many years.

Professor Valpy FitzGerald of the Department for International Development was one of the recipients of an award providing support for postgraduate students with advanced training for designing and carrying out field research in underdeveloped countries or areas in conflict known as ‘hot places.’

Daria Martin of the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art was given a Teaching Award Project Grant to create a course on film-making for students at the Ruskin School.

Anne-Marie Canning, access officer at University College, was recognised for her innovative use of social digital media and user-generated content to create this year’s alternative student prospectus.

The Teaching Awards scheme was launched by the University in 2006.