Description
Academics from across the UK have been recognised for their outstanding learning and teaching practices in engineering education through the Higher Education Academy’s Engineering Subject Centre Teaching Awards 2009-10.
The awards, which are supported by the Engineering Council, were made at the EE2010 International Conference gala dinner earlier this month (7 July 2010). Professor Rachel McCrindle, from the School of Systems Engineering, University of Reading, was named as overall winner from a shortlist of seven academics. Rachel was presented with £1,000 which she can use towards future conference expenses. The finalists all receive £150 and have their case studies published through the Engineering Subject Centre website.
Over the last year the seven finalists demonstrated their work to the Engineering Subject Centre team. Their work includes: a computer based package of over 300 modules which supports both in class teaching and self-study periods; the use of away days and thematic teaching groups to develop engagement with and ownership of programme and module reviews; and the use of an open-ended project, in which students design and test a miniature wind-turbine.
Rachel’s award was based on her work to introduce students to the multi-skilled, real-world process nature of software engineering through a design exercise. In small groups, students designed a game that will teach novice engineers. She said: “I am thrilled to receive this award from the Engineering Subject Centre. To be recognised for excellent teaching is so rewarding and also a fitting testament to the engagement, creativity and hard work of my students. I am very proud of what they achieve both throughout the software engineering module and how they go on to apply the knowledge gained in the module to other parts of their undergraduate programme, their placement years and eventual graduate jobs.”
Professor John Dickens, Director of the Engineering Subject Centre, said: “The student learning experience is at the heart of our work and these awards highlight the many excellent engineering teachers throughout UK higher education. Teachers like Rachel and the other finalists in our awards this year have shown real commitment and enthusiasm to their teaching, which has had a huge positive impact on their students.”
