The University of Aberdeen's School of Education has won a prestigious national teaching award, in recognition of the work of its team specialising in providing professional learning for educators.
The TQFE/BAPD team, which delivers the Teaching Qualification for Further Education (TQFE) and BA (Professional Development) qualifications, has won the AdvanceHE Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE). The award recognises collaborative work that has had a demonstrable impact on teaching and learning and highlights the key role of teamwork in higher education.
The TQFE/BAPD team provides professional learning for educators in Scotland’s colleges and other related professions, enhancing their skills and confidence and enabling professional development.
The team has won praise from students for the impact of their work, which includes the development of accessible online study programmes and opportunities for international collaboration via digital platforms.
The collaborative work that underpins this activity is extensive, both among team members and with students and other institutions in Scotland and beyond. This has been particularly true in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, where the team has pulled together to ensure the best possible experience for students.
David Smith, Head of the University’s School of Education, praised the team for its work: “The team's impact, both through widening access and international activity is clear - they are making a real difference to communities. The School of Education and I are proud of the team and celebrate this significant achievement with them.”
Sarah Cornelius, TQFE/BAPD team leader commented on behalf of the team: “We are delighted to receive recognition of our work through the AdvanceHE CATE award. It will support our ongoing collaborations and development of innovative practices to benefit our learners, colleagues and wider communities.”
The Centre for Academic Development offers support and CATE mentorship for applicants and promotes and manages the Award on behalf of AdvanceHE. The Institutional contact for the AdvanceHE Teaching Excellence Awards is Dr Joy Perkins, Educational & Employability Development Adviser j.perkins@abdn.ac.uk