- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Order a Prospectus
- Faculties & Departments
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
13 Jul 2005 14:09:19
The University of Luton’s reputation for teaching excellence got a boost this week after two members of staff were presented with national teaching awards worth £50,000, by the Higher Education Academy, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to teaching and learning.
Michael Preston-Shoot, Professor of Social Work and Head of Applied Social Studies, and Arti Kumar, Senior Careers Adviser at the University’s Careers Service, were shortlisted from 187 nominations from higher education institutions around England and Northern Ireland.
Professor Preston-Shoot was praised for his approach to teaching and his belief that tutors should empower the learner. He said: “Teaching, learning and assessment at their best create a dialogue between students and their teachers. It’s not right to ask students to engage in learning and assessment if teachers are not prepared to do the same.”
This was his main motivation for completing a doctorate by published work. In 1993 he co-founded the Social Work Law Association for academics, teaching law and providing learning and support.
Professor Kate Robinson, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Luton, spoke about Professor Preston-Shoot’s contribution to the University since his appointment in 2003.
“Michael has made an enormous impact on the department through extending links with practitioners, enhancing the quality of teaching and learning through his own work, not to mention his ability to motivate others to match his high standards.
“The department is a beacon for good practice in professional development and a model for others to follow. He is an inspirational teacher of social work law and social welfare law – an area which some students often find problematic.”
Also celebrating was Arti Kumar who won her award in the learning support category for her long-standing commitment to curriculum initiatives and strategies, aimed at enabling the personal and career development of undergraduates.
Mrs Kumar’s achievements in this field have led to the University adopting a unique approach to personal development planning (PDP) and she has become a dedicated PDP Co-ordinator. In fact, this successful programme played a key role in helping the University clinch £3.3 million in funding to become a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).
Over a seven-year period, she has advised on curriculum development projects and developed materials and methods to enable effective learning in both real and virtual environments.
First to congratulate Mrs Kumar was Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon. “Arti has made an enormous contribution to the University. She has worked hard to ensure students see the relevance and connections between theories and how they are applied in real life.
“She has made a direct impact on how students approach their search for employment by providing a career development module as part of the curriculum.
“Winning two awards out of just 50 in the country is a fantastic achievement and reaffirms our excellent reputation for quality teaching.”
Mrs Kumar plans to use her funds to create an online skills resource which will enable students to get to grips with key employability skills. Professor Preston-Shoot will use his award money to evaluate outcomes of different approaches to the teaching and the learning and assessment of law in social work education.
To find out more about studying at the University of Luton, call 0800 389 6633 or visit www.luton.ac.uk.
The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS), launched in 2000, recognises and rewards teachers and learning support staff in higher education for their excellence in teaching. It is managed by the Higher Education Academy and funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland, as part of the individual strand of the Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund.
Latest news» 2005» Jul» Luton Wins National Teaching Awards on the Double
