Academic & Student Affairs

Teaching Award Podcasts and Videos

Sharing examples of good practice in teaching and learning helps to raise awareness of the initiatives can provide the students with a better learning experience. In addition to high quality teaching, there are approaches which provide more flexible, active or collaborative learning.

The following examples of good practice in teaching and learning are a summary of those recognised through the Queen’s University Teaching Awards.

2012 Teaching Awards Winners

Photo of Dr John Bothwell       

Using approaches to engage and motivate students of all abilities and develop active learners  (Audio from interview, 17 mins, 47 secs). Dr John Bothwell, School of Biological Sciences, winner in the Rising Stars category.
Photo of Professor Mark Burnett      

Providing an active and research-led learning environment to engage students and nurture transferable skills (Audio from interview, 5 mins, 24 secs). Professor Mark Burnett, School of English, winner in the Sustained Excellence category.
 Photo of Nicola Carr and team       The development of a highly effective training initiative which develops students’ skills in court work practice in child welfare and criminal justice proceedings.  (Audio from interview, 7 mins, 28 secs). Dr Nicola Carr, Dr Melissa McCullough, Mrs Aine Maxwell and Dr Karen Winter, Schools of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences and the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, winners in the Team category.

 
  Photo of Dr Martin Dowling            

The development of an innovative programme in Irish Traditional Music which inspires active learning (Audio from interview, 7 mins, 30 secs). Dr Martin Dowling, School of Creative Arts, winner in the Sustained Excellence category.

  Photo of Joe Duffy and team          

An innovative approach to involving service users and carers in teaching and assessing Social Work students.  (Audio from interview, 11 mins, 10 secs).Mr Joe Duffy, Dr Berni Kelly, Dr Chaitali Das, Dr Gavin Davidson, Dr David Hayes, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, winners in the Team category.
  Photo of Dr Philip Hanna    

A project-based approach to helping students develop computer programming and employability skills and promote independent learning. (Audio from interview, 6 mins, 36 secs). Dr Philip Hanna, School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, winner in the Student-nominated category.
 Photo of Declan Keeney   Using a practice-based teaching approach to blend academic content and industry skills in innovative and engaging modules on the Film Studies degree programme. (Audio from interview, 5 mins, 34 secs). Mr Declan Keeney, School of Creative Arts, winner in the Rising Stars category.
Photo of Dr Simon Mawhinney             

Using multiple teaching approaches to engage and inspire students and develop high-level composition skills.  (Audio from interview, 4 mins, 19 secs).Dr Simon Mawhinney, School of Creative Arts, winner in the Sustained Excellence category.

Photo of Dr John McAllister                    

 Using balanced learning styles and learner-driven approaches to engage students in active, interactive and collaborative learning. (Audio from interview, 5 mins, 08 secs). Dr John McAllister, School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, winner in the Student-nominated category.
Photo of Dr Paul Murphy     Using scholarship-based and practice-based learning approaches within the Drama curriculum.  (Audio from interview, 7 mins, 38 secs).Dr Paul Murphy, School of Creative Arts, winner in the Student-nominated category.
Photo of Dr Danielle Soban     The development of an experience-based learning approach to foster independent learning and develop professional attitudes and employability skills.  (Audio from interview, 10 mins, 14 secs). Dr Danielle Soban, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, winner in the Student-nominated category.
Photo of Samantha Taylor    

Motivating and inspiring students to learn through an active approach to learning (Audio from interview, 5 mins, 18 secs). Ms Samantha Taylor, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, winner in the Student-nominated category.

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Photo of Elaine Farrell The redesign of a module to include a range of interactive teaching methods to actively engage students. (Audio from interview, 17 mins, 46 secs).   Dr Elaine Farrell, School of History and Anthropology, winner in the Student-nominated category.
 Photo of Brian Jack   The implementation of a series of improvements over a number of years resulting in impressive improved student performance. (Audio from interview, 7 mins, 7 secs).  Dr Brian Jack, School of Law, winner in the Sustained Excellence category.
Photo of Tess Maginess and Cathal McManus Developing valuable learning partnerships with a range of community organisations.  (Audio from interview, 9 mins, 3 secs).  Dr Tess Maginess and Cathal McManus, School of Education, winners in the Excellence in Teaching by a Team category.
Photo of Joan Rahilly The development of effective methods for engaging students, enhancing student performance and equipping them for further study and employment.  (Audio from interview, 4 mins, 35 secs).  Dr Joan Rahilly, School of English, winner in the Student-nominated category.
 Photo of Ian Sansom  The development of a unique programme of structured learning for teaching creative writing in a workshop environment. (Audio from interview, 8 mins, 9 secs).  Dr Ian Sansom, School of English, winner in the Rising Stars category.
Photo of Franziska Schroeder Innovative use of enquiry-based learning, peer and self assessment and new technologies for teaching and assessing music students. (Audio from interview, 4 mins, 58 secs).  Dr Franziska Schroeder, School of Creative Arts, winner in the Rising Stars category.
Photo of Isabel Torres  The provision of an active and collaborative learning experience which helps students develop confidence and feel ownership of their learning and realise their potential.  (Audio from interview, 15 mins, 37 secs).  Dr Isabel Torres, School of Modern Languages, winner in the Experienced Staff category.
Roisin Copeland Alternative workplacement experience for Law and Finance students. (Audio from Interview, 7 mins 43 secs), Roisin Copeland, Careers, Employability and Skills, Directorate of Academic and Student Affairs.
Colin O'Hare  Engaging and motivating students using flexible learning materials. (Audio from Interview, 10 mins 6 secs), Colin O'Hare, Actuarial Science and Risk Management Program Director, School of Management.
Paul Corthorn Use of innovative approaches to assist his students to develop their employability skills , Dr Paul Corthorn, School of History and Anthropology.
Anna Newell Innovative ways of giving meaningful feedback to students through a portfolio of assessment approaches, Anna Newell, Artistic Director of the Centre for Excellence in Creative and Performing Arts.
Piers Hellawell Development of innovative teaching strategies to communicate difficult concepts, Professor Piers Hellawell, School of Music and Sonic Arts.
Fiona Magowan Effective research-led teaching built on active learning. Dr Fiona Magowan, School of History and Anthropology.
Claire Mitchell Encourages active participation to enable students to openly discuss and reflect on difficult topics. Dr Claire Mitchell, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work.
Mike Crone Redesigning a module to provide opportunities for active learning with a real-world focus. Dr Mike Crone, School of Management.
David Gibson Embedding Entrepreneurship into the curriculum. Mr David Gibson, Queen's Unversity Management School.

Engineering and Physical Sciences

Ian Lane Making the difficult concepts of quantum theory interesting and enjoyable for students. (Audio from interview, 7 mins 26 secs), Dr Ian Lane, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Charles MaCartan Engaging Engineering students with Mathematics. (Audio from interview, 7 mins 50 secs), Dr Charles McCartan, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Ruth Morrow and Sarah Lappin Redesigning skills-based modules to address an identified skills gap. (Audio from interview, 3 mins), Professor Ruth Morrow, Dr Sarah Lappin and the 1st year Design Studio team, School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering.
Photograph of John McKinley Development of online learning support materials. (Audio from Interview, 7mins 48secs), Dr John McKinley, Lecturer in Environmental Engineering, School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering
Linda Price Embedding Personal Development Planning and personal tutoring initiatives in the first year , Dr Linda Price, Jayne Barrett and Eimear Gallagher, School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering and the Centre for Educational Development.
Paul Hermon Redesigning aspects of the curriculum to produce graduates who are competent in all phases of product development. Mr J Paul Hermon, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
Philip Hanna Using of project based-tasks to teach difficult programming concepts. Dr Philip Hanna, School Electrical, Electronic Engineering and Computer Science.
Brian Whalley Developing Students' employability and communication skills. Professor Brian Whalley, School of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology

Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences

Photo of David Bell Using innovative approaches and robust assessment methods to provide a supportive learning environment (Audio from interview, 6 mins, 35 secs), Dr David Bell, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, winner in the Student-nominated category.
 Photo of Tom Gardiner Implementing effective strategies to engage students, stimulate deep learning and improve student attainment.  (Audio from interview, 7 mins, 25 secs)  Dr Tom Gardiner, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, winner in the Student-nominated category. 
Photo of Gerry Gormley and Team    The development and delivery of fair, reliable and innovative  Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) which enhance student development.  (Audio from interview, 8 mins, 13 secs).  Dr Gerry Gormley and team, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, winners in the Excellence in Teaching or Learning Support by a Team category.
Photo of David Marshall  The development of highly effective techniques to engage students in large lectures.  (Audio from interview, 9 mins, 49 secs)  David Marshall, School of Nursing and Midwifery, winner in the Student-nominated category.
 Photo of Katherine Rogers The implementation of teaching and assessment strategies to stimulate and inspire students and encourage peer and independent learning.  (Audio from interview, 4 mins, 28 secs)  Dr Katherine Rogers, School of Nursing and Midwifery, winner in the Rising Stars category.
Louise Hales and Team  Providing a quality learning experience for multi-disciplinary teams in a clinical setting. (Audio from interview, 8 mins 37 secs), Ms Louise Hales, Ms Marie Glackin, Mr Wesley Sterling, School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Etain Tansey Using different learning styles to improve engagement and motivation. (Audio from interview, 9 mins 40 secs), Dr Etain Tansey, Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences.
Aisling Keane and team Providing a more supportive learning environment for your students. (Audio from interview, 7 mins 7 secs), Dr Aisling Keane, Dr Etain Tansey and Dr Abdul-Kadhum Al-Modhefer, Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education, School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences.
Kevin Campbell Development of interactive online training materials , Kevin Campbell and Paul Morris, School of Nursing and Midwifery.
King Green and McAteer Organisation of teaching to provide a well-structured and supportive programme for first year students , Dr Karen King, Dr Brian Green and Nicola McAteer, School of Biological Sciences.
Marise Heyns Development of autonomous and deep learners who are professional in their approach , Dr Marise Heyns, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences.
Karen King Use of active and interactive learning methods to promote student engagement, Dr Karen King, School of Biological Sciences.
David Bell and Team Use of reflective learning journals to stimulate students to think more deeply about a holistic approach to patient care. Dr David Bell and Team, School of Medicine and Dentistry.
P Morrow and Team Encouraging Nursing & medical students to develop self awareness and critical thinking skills. Mrs P Morrow and Team, School of Nursing and Midwifery.
David Marshall Including people with learning disabilities in the delivery of various aspects of the curriculum. Mr David Marshall, School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Melissa McCullough Engaging medical students in active learning related to medical law, including a moot to stimulate debate. Dr Melissa McCullough, Medical Education, School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Tracey Wilkinson Using a range of alternative approaches to formal lectures for the teaching and assessment of anatomy modules. Dr Tracey Wilkinson, Anatomy, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Johanne Barry and Sharon Haughey Developing a new module using a diversity of teaching methods and resources. Ms Johanne Barry and Mrs Sharon Haughey, School of Pharmacy.

Learning Support

 Photo of Learning Development Service   Working collaboratively with students to help them become independent, confident learners. (Audio from interview, 3 mins, 3 secs).  Paula Moran, Angela McQuade, Tim Crawford and the Learning Development Service team, winners in the Excellence in Learning Support by a Team category.