Innovation in Learning & Teaching Award - Winner 2013
This Award is made in recognition of a significant contribution to innovation in curriculum design, content or delivery.
This year's Innovation in Learning & Teaching Award winner:
Dr Nigel Johnston
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Spanning over 20 years within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr Nigel Johnston’s achievements were recognised by the Committee. The extremely high regard with which both Dr Johnston’s colleagues and students hold him was also acknowledged. Dr Johnston’s innovative and creative approach to learning and teaching was highlighted with particular focus on his transformation of a third year unit in Mechanical Vibrations and Noise, which now receives the Department’s highest unit evaluation scores. Both staff and students recognised Dr Johnston’s interest in, and commitment to, exploring new techniques to enhance his teaching, specifically using new technologies to increase student engagement in lectures. For example, the use of animated graphs and audio for presenting simulation results, the use of Panopto to record lectures and the integration of the audience response system to increase participation. Students praised Dr Johnston for his innovative approach, excellent teaching notes, practical demonstrations and interactive lectures with one student describing him as ‘an exceptional lecturer who shows extraordinary dedication and enthusiasm towards his subject.’ The Committee felt that the evidence demonstrated Dr Johnston to be very deserving of this Award.
