The Higher Education Academy has awarded two University of Liverpool scientists National Teaching Fellowships for their contributions to the student learning experience.
The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) is part of an Academy programme to raise the status of learning and teaching in higher education and aims to celebrate individuals who make a significant impact on the student experience. Dr Nick Greeves from the University’s Department of Chemistry, and Reverend Dr David Taylor, from the School of Medical Education will each receive an award of £10,000 to be used for professional development in higher education.
Dr Greeves is a world-leader in developing web-based three dimensional animations to support teaching in organic chemistry. Dr Greeves has also authored an undergraduate textbook that allows students to follow Chemistry as it is practiced by chemists in laboratories.
Dr Taylor pioneered the development of problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education, which allows students to become involved in clinical work and real-life situations from an early stage. PBL encourages students to be self-directed life-long learners and integrates the learning of basic medical science with clinical practice.
Dr Taylor said: “The health service depends on the expertise and attitudes of its health professionals. I have been fortunate to have played a role in developing medical education in Liverpool through a period of considerable change. I am delighted that this work, as well as the support of students and colleagues, has been recognised by this award.”
Dr Greeves said: “The Fellowship award will help support our work on new technologies and e-learning in Chemistry education. Representing structures in 3D and being able to examine interactions between molecules as they react is a fascinating way of engaging students in studies of organic chemistry.”
The award winners were chosen from more than 200 nominations submitted by further and higher education institutions across England and Northern Ireland. The NTFS is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland (DELNI).
Notes to editors:
1. The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive institutions in the UK. It attracts collaborative and contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international organisations valued at more than £93 million annually.
2. The Higher Education Academy supports the sector in providing the best possible learning experience for all students. It does this by:
“¢ providing national leadership in developing and disseminating evidence-informed practice about enhancing the student learning experience;
“¢ operating as an independent broker, enabling expertise to be shared across institutions and subject areas;
“¢ working at multiple levels, with individual academics, subject communities, departments, faculties and institutions;
“¢ working across all parts of the UK, recognising the distinctive policy contexts and priorities of the devolved administrations but also providing opportunities to share expertise among them.