Launch for second year of teaching awards

Edinburgh University Students' Association's (EUSA) first 'Inspiring Teaching' conference took place last week and was followed by the launch of the second annual teaching awards at Teviot Row House.

250 staff and students of Edinburgh University were present and attended various workshops throughout the day, aiming to discuss and present examples of high quality teaching.  

Vice President Academic Affairs Evan Beswick, told The Journal: "I'm so pleased with how the Inspiring Teaching Conference went.

"We had over 250 people through the door, both staff and students which, for the first such event at the University of Edinburgh, is a real success"

The conference included keynote presentations from Elizabeth Bomberg and Richard Milne, both winners at Edinburgh's inaugural teaching awards, in addition to workshops and an exhibition from all the schools in the university to illustrate the innovative styles and delivery of teaching.

“Aside from the brilliant contributions from the academics who gave workshops and presentations, the best moment for me was when one director of teaching said they saw the need to create more opportunities for sharing ideas within their school.

"If that's the only thing the conference achieves, it's worth it.

“But I do think it will achieve much more. Along with the Teaching Awards which we launched for the second year on Wednesday, the Inspiring Teaching Conference will, I hope become a regular event," said Mr Beswick.

The event was organised in the hope that Edinburgh university can improve it's reputation when it comes to feedback.

A recent survey conducted by NUS, showed that only 83 per cent of the University of Edinburgh's students are satisfied with their course.

This figure is below the Scottish average and outside of the UK’s top quartile.

Mr Beswick highlighted the importance of the event saying: “It's a small but important step in the process of raising the prestige of teaching at Edinburgh, and pushing the university to reward and recognise those academics who show real commitment to teaching their students."

This new initiative has also been widely commended across Edinburgh and following the success of the first teaching awards last year, EUSA has led the way and other student associations are following suit.

The National Students Association have recently announced a similar scheme, with the introducing two new awards; one for best tutor and the other for the best personal development tutor.

Nominations for this year’s EUSA teaching awards are now open.