Inspirational Teaching Awards

2013

Inspirational Teachers

Dr Andrew Garrard... can keep my attention even if I've got a horrific hang over and I'll still learn something.

The course content is exactly what I need, his teaching methods are ideal and student focused and makes it a pleasure to come to his lectures

Been totally awesome and supportive!

Katy Carroll• … has incredible and intriguing

lectures for contextual studies.

• I was always intrigued by what she had to say. I may not have always engaged with the contextual studies modules but I always had the utmost respect for Katy.

• She is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about what she teaches us. This makes it a much more enjoyable experience and a lot easier to learn a difficult subject!

Liz Erett• Liz is the reason that I'm going

to graduate and have a degree in Mathematics. ... You can genuinely tell how much she cares about us all.

• Makes me think about new ideas

• She has given me more confidence in myself a my ability

Dr Mehmet Bülent Özcan• … told our class how producing

algorithms wasn't easy for him at first, during his student days. However through extra work he has become an expert in his field (this has made me do extra work something I never would have done otherwise.)

• ... always inspiring people to push further and go further.

• … always knows what level the class are working at and which topics need more covering in more depth. He is also easy to talk to and treats students with respect.

Dr Mohammed Islam• ... one of the reasons I applied for

Sheffield Hallam as on the Open Day he was so enthusiastic and you could tell that he thoroughly enjoyed his job. He is a pleasure to be taught by and I also look forward to his lectures because of his friendly, funny and hard working nature.

• Unique lecture style makes difficult course material easier to cope with.

• He made me open minded to things that involve the world of aerospace.

Steve Harriman• Straight forward, no-nonsense and

honest.

• Provided me with the confidence and knowledge to improve my communication and management skills and realises my potential. A true asset to your university !

• Real down to earth bloke who made the classes so interesting a pleasure to be involved with. He liked to have a bit of banter which was good and always had a laugh but could be serious about something 5 minutes later. Top man.

Dr Douglas Fraser• Inspiring and passionate about what he

teaches. … Puts a smile on my face and looked forward to his lectures.

• ... He is engaging, entertaining and his fascination with all of the topics he has covered is contagious. I am quite a introverted person and Doug always gets me involved and reinforces it with positive responses. He is a world class teacher!

• After short conversation in the education exhibition in Beijing, I decided to became a student at SHU where I may get a chance to reach my goal.

Dr Edwyn Anderton• Every lesson is fantastic and

engaging, I learn so much in each lesson and gain so many ideas for when I begin teaching! My whole class look forward to his lessons.

• He has made Science exciting for me and I find it easy to understand things that confused me before. It is a nice change from the GCSE science that I was used to.

• Demonstrated how teaching should be done - a real passion for his subject!

Dr Liz Laycock• Encouraged us to enjoy university life

but take work seriously. Get the balance right.

• Motivated me get off my ass and do some bloody work.

• Lecturers are paid to tell us information, and it doesn't really matter how they tell us. This lecturer tells us as if she's a performer and in an entertaining fashion, even though we all still sit there looking bored and not replying when she talks to us. She doesn't have to be like that, but she is.

Mark Edwards• … makes even the dullest of subjects

interesting. He is always enthusiastic and always takes the time and effort to make sure you are ok in yourself and not just focused on the work. If you have a problem and attend his lectures and seminars he will do what ever he can to rectify your problem.

• When I was applying for a place at the university, he corresponded with me regularly and answered any questions that I had. He met with me at short notice for a discussion about which course would best suit me and he made me feel confident that Sheffield Hallam was the right university for me.

Dr Susan McPherson• ... committed to getting the very best out of

her students. I love the way she challenges and encourages at the same time.

• Her seminars are the best I have ever been in.

• ... clearly passionate about her subject and this encourages students to be enthusiastic about their work. Sue also has a harsh but fair outlook towards her role as a tutor and you can genuinely tell she has your best interests at heart. Sue will push her students to achieve their full potential, she has an excellent approach to teaching!

Claire Craig• ... bringing life into the most

dullest of lectures.

• Just given me the confidence I needed before I started my current placement.

• ... has an incredible passion for what she does and how she can use her skills and knowledge not only to benefit others in practice but to educate people around the world with her vast experience and research.

Dr David Smith• His knowledge and experience are clear to

the group when explaining experiments. He continuously ensures we have understood the topic.

• ... beyond enthusiastic in every lecture and make me want to turn up and listen.

• ...very passionate and fun lecturer and his lectures have been a highlight for me personally. He reaffirmed my love of science and as a result I want to go on to do a PhD, carry out research and try and impart knowledge to students in an interesting and inspiring way.

Jane Foggin• Every lecture she holds is

motivating, interesting and useful no matter what the content is.

• A very fine educator!!!

• She gave me a chance ...

• She makes learning fun and interesting without losing the seriousness of the issues being discussed. Instead of talking at us, she takes us on a learning journey with her.

Jane Gurman• Always has time for her students,

listens and has a sense of humour so lectures are never dull.

• She just always seems like she's having a good time, she knows how to make lectures fun and enjoyable and at the same time is actually teaching us valuable and necessary knowledge.

• She is such a fantastic woman who can inspire a higher learning capability through her teaching style.

Tracey Briggs• … is excellent at relating theory to

practice, and her sessions are always enjoyable and engaging.

• ... very knowledgeable, and is passionate about her subject. She creates exciting and interesting seminars, and openly and honestly shares her own personal and professional experiences. I found her classes inspirational.

• She has always encourage us to be hard working and aim for the best than settling for 40% in assignments and she also relates the learning materials to present events.

Matthew Willett• he has inspired me to think

outside the box with academic theory and I have no doubt he will benefit my thoughts for many years to come.

• Innovative Enterprising Friendly Supportive

• ...Very supportive

Jenny Cockill• Very knowledgeable and up to date in her

field. ... Always makes an effort with all of the students. Very respectable.

• I have never met a tutor that is so dedicated to helping their students, not just as a requirement but a genuine want to offer support. This is not just academic but also in working life as she has many valuable connections.

• ... She has assisted with getting a future professional mentor as well. Jenny goes above and beyond the whole time and assisted me with getting a fantastic placement opportunity.

Martin Roberts• … made accounting seem almost

fun. He was strict but not in a harsh way, wanted us to do well and got along with him well.

• True legend, he's been there and done it and now passing his experience on. Great relationships with students, approachable and there to help.

• He taught me finance! He made it easy! I'm petrified of finance and I can do it now!! I'm absolutely amazed! No one has ever been able to teach me finance before (and several have tried!)

Nigel Jones• … so enthusiastic and

knowledgeable about the module he teaches that I can't help but feel interested and passionate about the subject, hence it being my favourite module and the one I try hardest in.

• … is full of passion during class and he teaches clearly.

• Given so many real life marketing examples of what certain companies do well and not do well. I wrote every word I could during his lectures.

Paul Beresford• If it wasn't for Paul and his support I

wouldn't be at university today. I would just like to thank him for all his support and work in encouraging me and supporting me to stay in university.

• Very inspirational, keeps everybody positive and always keeps student on track - this leads to success in his cohort. ... Wonderful man!

• I can't express how much this particular lecturer has impressed me and made me think so highly of Sheffield Hallam..

Phil Crowther• Always enthusiastic and goes that extra mile

for students..

• ... is brilliant at getting everyone involved. Phil also offers us great opportunities to expand our events knowledge in the 'real world'. I always take him up on his extra tasks as I know they will be beneficial to me in the future.

• He has continuously pushed me and motivated me to work harder and achieve the marks that I want by giving us lots of information and the quality in which we should be working at. His enthusiasm and determination is appreciated.

Tim Williams• He is a passionate and approachable

tutor, in terms of support, delivery of seminars and generally in every aspect of my learning experience. ...interesting and driven, this rubs off and drives me to do well.

• ... So supportive and enthusiastic. Fun lectures and seminars. Really passionate for his job and doing the best for his students.

• Easily the best tutor! So supportive and enthusiastic. Fun lectures and seminars.

Inspirational Research Supervisors

Dr Simon Polovina• … His breadth and depth of

knowledge is fantastic and he is always keen to share information and knowledge as much as he is willing to listen and learn himself.

• From my perspective Simon is more than professional in his own career and research while developing fruitful relationships with students and colleagues.

• • He has the ability to motivate, often

through enabling challenging engagements such as the lecturing opportunities.

Prof Ann Macaskill• She is inspiring because she is

extremely knowledgeable about her academic subject area and clearly has a real passion for discipline. She has high expectations of me as a researcher which has really stretched me at times but she always gives constructive and fair feedback.

• After supervision with Ann I always feel inspired and feel a sense of renewed energy to continue. This has been invaluable over the three years as doing a PhD feels like a long road at times

Prof Angela Tod• Angela gave me the confidence and support

to take that step and realise what I had to offer the University, what the University had to offer me and how together, we could deliver a doctorate that could make a positive difference.

• Angela is passionate about her field and has produced outputs that have informed practice and policy on the ground. For me, that is what applied research is all about - making a positive difference and especially to those who are not really in a position to help themselves

• This opportunity will shape me, my career, my life and hopefully the life of others. Without Angela, I would not have taken that step and for that I will always be eternally thankful.

Prof Bill Bramwell • …has a wealth of knowledge and

experience both in academia and at government planning level in the area of my research and thus is able to help me visualise things from different perspectives and aid my critical thinking to be creative and original.

• In a very strong sense I would like to say that he is one of the few individuals that made me believe that I can do PhD. Thus, I decided to do PhD and became very interested in tourism planning & development issues, governance etc. as his lectures in my 3rd undergrad year and Master’s degree were fascinating.

Dr Andrew Johnston• Very encouraging, great

unwavering support and mentor-ship. I get a full package of constructive comments, criticisms, and commendations. I am inspired by his calm and collected nature. Very knowledgeable but so down to earth.

• English is not my native language, I am a job and a half to him yet his approach is so sensitive and professional.

Outstanding Student Support

Claire Rayner • Excellent customer service

and communication skills. Very supportive and helpful.

• Always keeping me informed and quick to respond to any problems or questions.

• Support and encouragement when needed. It is very much appreciated. Thanks!

Katie Kay • ... makes the time to sort out any

problems with the course or anything else, and doesn't make you feel you're wasting her time.

• She is extremely positive and helpful and runs herself ragged trying to make our experience a better one.

• Helped me as a Student rep to break the bridge between the students and the staff and helped in knowing the how to represent my class to the teaching staff.

Polly Newman • ... provided me with exceptional

support when I lost my father earlier on in the year and made contact with me on a regular basis to ensure that I was okay and coping well.

• Helped me when I have really needed it, with support.

• Being easily contactable and guiding to the right services

Andrew Bromley • He is my first UK friend since I came to

Sheffield and always so helpful and friendly to me and other international students. thanks very much for everything he has done for us!!

• By being open to new cultures, encouraging integration and having a constant state of happiness.

• He is active and very passionate about events for the international students, which helps them to meet each other and feel much comfortable during their study experience.