Pilkington Teaching Awards 2001

The Sir Alastair Pilkington Teaching Awards, are given to recognise excellent undergraduate teaching. These annual awards were the initiative of Sir Alistair Pilkington who retired at the end of September 1990 after 10 years as Pro-Chancellor of the University. A committee invites students and staff to nominate teachers, thought to be exceptional. Lecturers are nominated for a variety of reasons including the use of innovative techniques to explain difficult subjects, support given to students and ability to make lectures and seminars entertaining and interesting. The prizes are recognised by the Academic Audit Unit as contributing to the high quality of teaching provision in the university.

This year congratulations goes to Dr Patrick Hagopian, American Studies and Dr Michael Winstanley, History, who have been awarded the Sir Alastair Pilkington Teaching Award. The awards (£1000 each and a certificate) will be presented at a lunch hosted next week by the Vice-Chancellor. Dr Steven Bradley, Economics is the runner-up. Both winners were nominated by their Head of Department.

The particular features of each case commended by the Pilkington Award panel were:-

Dr Patrick Hagopian

The depth and range of his contribution to teaching and learning, the high degree of reflectiveness throughout the submission, sensitivity to students needs, care in the development of materials, and the emphasis on inter-activity in lectures. Two areas which attracted particular attention were student learning support, in particular the innovation of writing seminars to develop key skills and evidence of innovative methods of assessment. Furthermore the panel was particularly impressed by evidence of extremely thoughtful and detailed feedback to students, demonstrating an unusual measure of student care. Statements from past and present students as well as colleagues within and outside the University all attested to an enthusiastic, inspirational and energetic teacher.

Dr Michael Winstanley

Pioneering work in applying IT to teaching, innovative methods of student-centred, tutor-guided teaching, and the many contributions as Faculty Associate Dean for Undergraduate Teaching. The reflective nature of the evidence, in particular the integration between content and process, the development of 'skills' and emphasis on active learning. The teaching materials provided demonstrated a great deal of care, supported by very strong statements from past and present students and peers. The success in developing the confidence and skills of his students in difficult subject areas, together with the contributions at local, regional and national levels to history pedagogy, including his role in the History 2000 project, and his ability to engage students in research projects leading to publication were commended warmly.

A full list of Pilkington Award winners from 1991 to date are on the Personnel web-site. http://www.lancs.ac.uk/users/personnel/winners.htm