Two awards in the National Teaching Fellowships
Thursday, 11 June 2015
Dr Elizabeth Page and Dr Paddy Woodman
Many congratulations to Dr Elizabeth Page, Associate Professor of Chemistry Education and Dr Paddy Woodman, Director of Student Development and Access who have both been awarded National Teaching Fellowships. Dr Page and Dr Woodman are amongst 55 recipients of this year’s Fellowship (in its 15th year) which is presented by the Higher Education Academy (HEA). The award was created to celebrate individuals who make an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning and the student experience.
Professor Gavin Brooks, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, said: "I am delighted that the Higher Education Academy has awarded National Teaching Fellowships to Paddy and Elizabeth in recognition of their significant contributions to the teaching and learning community. These awards help recognise the tremendous work that both Paddy and Elizabeth have been involved with to promote and enhance teaching excellence at Reading and beyond.”
"Paddy's cross-institution work at the University has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of students. In particular, she introduced the University's first employability/skills award: the Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award, which not only encourages students to get involved in a wide range of extra- and co curricular activities but crucially engages students in a process of peer-facilitated reflection on the skills they have gained as well as considering their future goals. She also has a strong and pro-active commitment to diversity and inclusion and has implemented a substantial programme of measures to enhance social mobility, including: a placement bursary scheme, a coaching and mentoring programme, substantial expansion of Reading’s internship scheme, a new development programme for staff on inclusive pedagogy, as well as leading a significant project on the Black and minority ethnic attainment gap which led to a commitment to obtain the Race Equality Charter Mark.”
“Elizabeth has taught Chemistry at Reading for over 25 years where she has led the development of new teaching methodologies in the areas of context-based learning, team-based learning and technology-enhanced learning. She is a fervent evangelist for Chemistry education and equal access, and has established a strong community of practice of local Chemistry teachers committed to enthusing students in Chemistry and supporting them in their studies.
Elizabeth also has a strong reputation both nationally and internationally in Chemistry education having published text books and workbooks to support students beginning undergraduate studies. She has travelled widely to discuss learning and teaching, along with curriculum and programme development, and she advises nationally on accreditation and A-level specifications.”
This year the successful National Teaching Fellows were chosen from over 180 nominations submitted by higher education institutions across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Each Fellow will receive an award of £10,000 which will be used to support their professional development in teaching and learning or aspects of pedagogy. Successful nominees were nominated by their institutions and submissions had to show evidence of three criteria: individual excellence, raising the profile of excellence and developing excellence.
Dr Paddy Woodman said: "Since starting my academic career my interests in student learning have been broad, but have been consistently driven by doing what I thought necessary to give students the best possible chance at University and in life. My career path has not been a conventional one but my goal throughout has been to try to make a difference to students and staff. I am therefore truly delighted to receive this NTF award."
Dr Elizabeth Page said: "I am really thrilled to be awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship. The award reflects my long-standing interest in developing innovative teaching in chemistry, and also the support the University of Reading dedicates to promoting the enhancement of learning and teaching. I'm really grateful to everyone I've worked with along the way who have helped this happen."