Moray lecturers honoured in student awards
Two Moray lecturers have been honoured in the fifth annual University of the Highlands and Islands’ Student Association Awards. Gill Berkeley from Moray College UHI was named as the Most Engaging Video Conference Tutor, while her colleague, Annie Lamb, won the Best Assessment Feedback category.
Gill Berkeley from Elgin, assistant director of curriculum and quality at the College and a module leader on the University’s environmental science degree, was nominated as Most Engaging Video Conference Tutor for her inclusive style.
One student explained: “Gill is among the best tutors for delivering lectures over video conference. She always engages with students around the network, continually asking for and getting their input. She never forgets that, not only does she have students at other centres, but also students that dial in from home.”
Another described her as “professional, interesting and totally engaging; just superb.”
Speaking about her award, Gill said: “It is the first award I have ever won and to me it is from the most important people in our organisation, the students. I am honoured.”
Annie Lamb, a recently retired lecturer who lives in Huntly, won the Best Feedback category for providing comprehensive and encouraging feedback.
“Annie has been consistent with both the style and quality of the feedback given,” one student commented. “Her criticism is always constructive and done in a way that encourages you to improve. She goes that bit further as well and, not only provides feedback in the form of a feedback grid, but also sends back a marked copy of your assignment so you are able to see exactly where you need to improve. Having Annie mark my assignments has also meant that my written English has improved. She thoroughly deserves to win for the hard work she undoubtedly puts into her feedback.”
Annie said: “It’s wonderful to find that my feedback is appreciated. My thanks to the students who understood that I wasn’t just picking holes in their work!”
Organised by UHISA, the UHI Students’ Association, the awards recognise excellence in seven categories. The other winners were:
• Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor, Melanie Smith - Inverness College UHI
• Most Inspiring Lecturer, Kate Hayes - Inverness College UHI
• Best Support Staff, Jenny MacDonald - Argyll College UHI
• Best Personal Academic Tutor, Tina Riddell - Perth College UHI
• Student Representative Of The Year, Aisling Goodey - Perth College UHI
The University of the Highlands and Islands was one of the first institutions to work with the Higher Education Academy and National Union of Students to introduce student-led teaching awards. They have now been adopted throughout most of the United Kingdom.
UHISA president Rachel Parker said: “It is truly inspiring to judge the UHISA awards. They celebrate excellence within the university, enabling students to commend those whose dedication has benefited them in their time studying here and they demonstrate how much students value being able to provide positive feedback. I would like to congratulate all the winners as students have such a vital role in the function of a university and we appreciate this opportunity to reward those that have made the experience of students an excellent one.”
Dr Iain Morrison, dean of students at the university, added: “These awards are highly valued by the recipients because they are chosen by the people who matter most to them: our students. Each winner, and the many other nominees, should be proud of the transformative influence of their work that has been recognised by learners in our region.”
The winners of the Student Association Awards will all receive a trophy and certificate.