Outstanding teachers awarded National Teaching Fellowships
Monday, 30 July 2012
'This recognition demonstrates very clearly the University's continuing commitment to improving and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.'
Congratulations to Helen Bilton and Professor Rachel McCrindle, who have won prestigious national awards that recognise teaching excellence in higher education.
Helen Bilton of the Institute of Education, and Professor Rachel McCrindle, of the School of Systems Engineering, have both been made National Teaching Fellows. They are among only 50 recipients of this year's award, which is presented by the Higher Education Academy to celebrate individuals who make an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning and the student experience.
Watch a video about Helen and Rachel's outstanding achievement >>>
University Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, said: "I would like to congratulate Helen and Rachel on this outstanding achievement. This national recognition demonstrates very clearly the University's continuing commitment to improving and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning."
Helen Bilton is Director of the Primary PGCE Programme within the Institute of Education. Helen is the UK's leading educational specialist in the outdoor learning environment and has written extensively on the topic, making Reading a centre of excellence with regard to this aspect of education.
Helen has played an instrumental role in many learning and teaching initiatives at the University Reading. These include the innovative re-design of modules to involve a local educational charity, placements in special educational needs schools, and the establishment of self-help groups for students with additional needs.
She said: "I'm delighted to have been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship, as it recognises the importance that is placed on teaching and learning at the University. I am hoping to spend the £10,000 that comes with the award on technology to allow live video link ups between our students and a real life classroom situation. This will enable us to analyse teaching practice as a group, and further enhance students' understanding of the process of effective teaching and learning."
Rachel McCrindle is Professor of Computer and Human Interaction in the School of Systems Engineering. She has developed an innovative module for all first year students in the School, where students work in teams to plan, develop and create a board game to teach them about software engineering. Not only do they learn about the topic, they gain an insight into the industry and enhance their soft skills such as team work, time management and communication.
Professor McCrindle said: "I always actively seek to teach in ways that inspire students to be independent learners and to give them real-world skills, in addition to the rigorous academic techniques they need for the modern workplace, thereby enhancing their employability."
This year's Fellows were chosen from nearly 200 nominations submitted to the NTFS by higher education institutions, and will each receive an award of £10,000, which may be used for professional development or aspects of teaching and learning.
The new National Teaching Fellows will officially receive their awards at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 10 October 2012.