Institutionally-led and established to identify exceptional teachers who focus on learning impact, the 2015 winners were identified from a wide range of disciplines. They show that brilliant teaching is a complex challenge, involving a mix of high-level subject expertise, a strong focus on students and innovative approaches to teaching in a world that is increasingly digital.
The 2015 nominations for Teaching Awards were selected by an international panel of assessors that consisted of four leader/scholars from the UK, Australia and the USA, one national expert in teaching and learning development and one student representative with strong experience in teaching and learning enhancement through partnership.
Prof Sarah Moore, Chair of the National Forum, said: “What really brings together the 2015 experts is their common dedication to and pursuit of the highest standards of teaching excellence and expertise Ireland offers.”
In announcing the awardees, Dr Terry Maguire, Director of the National Forum, said: “The National Forum is committed to learning from and very proud to showcase the valuable impact that these exceptional teachers are having on student learning throughout Ireland’s higher education sector.”
Professor Marcia Devlin, member of the International Panel of assessors, said: “I came away from the experience with the very strong feeling that Irish higher education learning and teaching is in very safe, innovative and creative hands, and that we in Australia have something to learn from our Irish colleagues in terms of celebrating and further enhancing our work in this area.”
The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education presented 16 awards to outstanding teachers and supporters of learning from 11 higher education institutions.