Teaching awards praised for second year

The University of Edinburgh's Informatics Department won the award for best department at the second annual Teaching Awards organised by Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA).

A total of 3262 nominations were received for 420 academic staff, 155 courses and 55 departments.

The ceremony took place on 27 March in Teviot Debating Hall and was an invitation only black tie event.

Vice-president of academic affairs Evan Beswick, who co-organised the event, said: "I can't tell you how pleased I've been with the Teaching Awards this year.

"It's been a big year in every sense: more than 3200 nominations, better recognition of all those fantastic staff who've been nominated, a great reaction from schools, and on top of that we've been helping seven students' unions across Scotland to start their own awards—a huge thank you must go to the Higher Education Academy and NUS Scotland who have been leading on that."

The most prestigious award of the night, overall high performer, went to Richard Milne from the biological sciences department. Mr Milne, who won the innovative teaching award last year, said: “To appear spontaneous takes a lot of work.”

Dr. Fabian Hilfrich from History won the award for best feedback while Financial Services Marketing was awarded best course.

Phil Scott from Informatics won the E-Learning award for creating a forum specially designed to allow his students to connect better with their peers.

Politics and International Relations teacher Mark Aspinwall won the award for innovative teaching. As The Journal reported last year, he taught his politics students a lesson in outsourcing by having them believe that an Indian academic would teach all their future lectures via video link.

Mr Beswick added:"The icing on the cake has definitely been a firm commitment from the University to develop guidelines for better recognition for teaching. As early as next year's round of promotions I hope we are going to see staff promoted on the basis of their teaching, not just their research.

“That's a profound change for Edinburgh, and I hope schools and colleges really take this forward in a big way. They must always remember that, while some of their staff make huge financial contributions to the school, what the Teaching Awards have shown is that the contribution of those who put time and effort into students isn't financial, but it's just as valuable."

Nominees were seated at tables with a student who individually nominated them. Guests were greeted with a drinks reception and a string quartet played as they enjoyed a three course meal.

The entertainment included the Edinburgh Bhangra Crew, the Edinburgh Opera Society and the Edinburgh Revelation Rock Gospel Choir.

The full list of winners and runners up is available from the EUSA website.