Aberdeen academic staff rewarded for excellence in teaching

Three members of staff from the University of Aberdeen are the successful winners of the first 2007 Excellence in Teaching Awards and will be presented with their prizes at a ceremony at the Institution tomorrow (Thursday, August 23).

One member of staff from the College of Physical Sciences and two from the College of Arts and Social Sciences are among this year's successful recipients. They include Dr Dmitri Mauquoy, Geography and Environment; Dr Arnar Arnason, Anthropology; and Dr Julia Biggane, Hispanic Studies, who have all performed exceptionally throughout their teaching at the University.

Students and colleagues submitted nominations for each of the Teaching Awards.  The primary aim of the awards scheme is to recognise, encourage and reward individuals who have undertaken the development of teaching, or activities that support teaching, which have led to particularly effective learning for their students.  It will also assist in disseminating information on good teaching, and support practice throughout the University. 

Speaking ahead of the prizegiving ceremony, Professor Walkden, College of Physical Sciences Director of Teaching and Learning, said: "Great teaching encourages great students but our best teachers can sometimes go unrecognised. Dmitri was nominated for his dedicated and enthusiastic teaching; his authorship of excellent private study materials; his creation of inspiring and popular courses at levels three and four; and for his motivating and helpful leadership and back-up on numerous field courses.

"His willing support for Geography Society events encourages students to view him as approachable and trustworthy. I am delighted that his nomination was proposed, seconded and supported by 17 students and that he will receive one of this year's Teaching Awards in recognition of his efforts."

From the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr Arnason will be presented with the award for academics with fewer than five years' teaching experience and Dr Biggane will receive the award for those with more then five years' teaching experience.

Professor Trevor Salmon, College of Arts & Social Sciences Director of Teaching and Learning, is delighted at the award being presented to Drs Arnason and Biggane and said: "Arnar has shown exceptional care for, and interest in, his students. He has been extremely imaginative in his teaching.  During the research methods course he took Anthropology out of the classroom and into the field by carrying out small research projects. Arnar develops skills that could only be learnt in practice outside of the classroom.

"Dr Biggane is committed to students' learning and over time her dedication and efforts have been consistently high. Julia uses varied methods when teaching, makes complex ideas accessible to students and makes her topic fascinating. In addition, she has been imaginative in her teaching.

"I am pleased that Drs Anrason and Biggane are recipients from the new Teaching Awards being presented by the University."

Each of the three winners will receive a £1,000 prize.