The Lord Dearing Award Scheme has, since 1999, recognised the outstanding achievements of University of Nottingham staff in enhancing the student learning experience. In the 2019-20 academic year, university teaching and learning received great impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, our commitment to providing first class teaching and learning experience to students has not changed. Since the beginning of spring semester, the teaching activity turned to online and later blended teaching officially launched for both on-campus and off-campus students.

Dr Chiew-Foong Kwong started his practice in the blended teaching since 2017 and has accumulated experience in creating digital learning content for students. Dr Kwong volunteered to make a series of 14 tutorial videos on video editing, best practices and how to use the available tools at UNNC to deliver online courses. The UNNC teaching and learning team distributed the video in a campus-wide announcement, and it had benefited many colleagues. Moreover, he also initiated and deeply involved in the student-centered projects, which aim to encourage students from multi-disciplinary background with innovative ideas to explore and build their prototypes.

For Kien Who Kow, he implemented hands-on activities in engineering modules for chemical engineering and environmental engineering students. Instead of conventional written notes and lecture, students were given tasks to work in group to produce a model/measurement on few engineering components. These activities provide students with alternative mode of learning through touching and constructing real engineering structure/material. Module convenor found that students keen to seek input and express their idea to peers and instructor in the process, which contributes to active learning. Students are able to control on their learning pace and objectives by knowing what and why subject matters needs to be studied in order to complete the hands-on activities.

This year Robert Pierce have proven to be an adaptable member of the short-staffed department, taking on additional teaching in Product Design & Manufacture and Aerospace Engineering. He has been part of the teaching teams for 6 different modules this year, which means he has supported more than 10 other academics and taught more than 200 individual students from our faculty. Above all expectations, his primary efforts have been in enhancing student engagement in his classes and promoting growth and development in his summer research and final year project students.

Below are some testimonials from the awarded staff.