Leadership in Learning & Teaching - Winner 2013
This Award is for excellence in leadership of learning and teaching at the University.
This year's Leadership in Learning & Teaching Award winner:
Dr Michael Silk
Department of Education
About Dr Michael Silk
Dr Michael Silk was recognised by the Committee as having demonstrated significant achievements in the leadership of learning and teaching, specifically through the development of academic programmes within the Department of Education. Described by his colleagues and students as being ‘dedicated, determined and passionate’ about learning and teaching, Dr Silk was acknowledged most notably for the skill with which he developed the Sport Group and led the transformation of the original BA in Coach Education programme, now renamed as the BA in Sport and Social Science. Dr Silk’s role as the ‘acknowledged leader’ of this group of academics, undertaking both teaching and research, was highlighted. Graduates of the BA Coach Education and Sports Development described the extent to which Dr Silk had led and evolved the Social Sciences degree course combined with supporting and supervising their studies and dissertations. This work was further evidenced by senior departmental staff commenting on Dr Silk’s ability to shape teaching through the development of a research-led curriculum resulting in programme excellence, enhanced student quality and experience and the overall international status and reputation of the University of Bath. Dr Silk’s leadership and management within his Department was described as having made an ‘exceptional contribution’ together with a notable emphasis on the importance he places on professional staff development. With considerable praise and recognition from his senior departmental colleagues and students, the Committee were in no doubt about Dr Silk’s achievements and him being very deserving of this Award.
