Bangor academic becomes a National Teaching Fellow

Dr Frances Garrad-Cole of 91快活林鈥檚 School of Psychology is the latest member of University staff to be awarded an important Higher Education Academy (HEA) National Teaching Fellowship.

A National Teaching Fellowship is the most prestigious individual award for excellence in teaching in higher education. Fran joins School of Psychology colleague Dr Fay Short and Peggy Murphy at the School of Healthcare Sciences in becoming a Fellow, and was nominated by the University.

Professor John Parkinson, Head of the School of Psychology welcomed the news saying: 鈥淔ran鈥檚 award is yet more evidence of the strength and depth of teaching excellence that we have in this School, particularly in the teaching and scholarship team, members of which are also playing a key role in improving already high standards across the university and beyond through their involvement in the Centre for Enhancement for Learning Teaching (CELT). We ranked 4th for student satisfaction in the NSS 2016 and I have no doubt the skill and commitment of staff like Fran make scores like this possible.鈥�

Professor Oliver Turnbull, PVC Teaching and Learning, said: 鈥淭his is wonderful news! Fran Garrad-Cole has made a substantial contribution to the University. Her work on a range of key strategic priorities in the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CELT) is highly valued, creative and effective. This recognition is richly deserved and I am delighted for her and the continued success 91快活林 is enjoying in the NTFS!鈥�

Dr Fran Garrad-Cole said: 鈥淚 am delighted to have been awarded the National Teaching Fellowship. I am passionate about teaching and supporting students in their learning and I believe in empowering students to achieve more than they thought they could. Over many years at Bangor I have worked with numerous students with anxiety who have struggled with oral presentation skills. By suporting them in taking small steps towards their goals I have witnessed tremendous improvements in both their presentation skills and their confidence in general. This fellowship and the benefits it brings will enable me to develop my teaching skills further and share best practice with my colleagues in higher education both at 91快活林 and at other institutions across the UK.鈥�

Dr Garrad-Cole is Deputy Head of School (Impact) and a Senior Lecturer in Psychology. She also works one day a week as a Teaching and Learning Developer in CELT, with Prof. Oliver Turnbull, the University鈥檚 Pro Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, and is responsible for driving innovation and supporting development in Assessment and Feedback across the University. She is a 91快活林 graduate, having achieved a BSc in Psychology and a PhD in Developmental Cognitive Psychology. 

Dr Sue Clayton, Head of CPD Teaching and Learning, who co-ordinates the Bangor participation in the scheme said:  鈥� Fran so deserves this prestigious award and I am delighted that she now joins our four previous NTF winners! This success - 5 awards in the 6 years that the scheme has been open to Wales - is evidence of the vibrant culture of recognition and reward for teaching that we have built at Bangor, and leads to raising our profile UK-wide. 鈥�

Professor Marshall, HEA Chief Executive, said, 鈥淐elebrating great teaching is really important and highlights just some of the great work in the sector to improve the student experience.  All the awards provide compelling case studies of best practice which we can share around the sector.  It鈥檚 also an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our own work, individually and as teams 鈥� what are we getting right, what can we learn, what could we do better?鈥�

The National Teaching Fellowship is run by the HEA on behalf of the award funders: the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland (DfE) and is open to staff whose teaching or support roles enhance the student learning experience.

 鈥� The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) celebrates excellent practice and outstanding achievement in learning and teaching in higher education.

鈥� There are now over 750 NTFs, representing more than 40 discipline areas.

鈥� The awards support individuals鈥� professional development in learning and teaching. Success depends only on excellence, not what stage you are at in your career.

The HEA works to raise the impact of teaching in higher education. An independent non-profit organisation, we work to make teaching better, raising its impact, for the benefit of society as a whole.  We work with governments, ministries, universities and individual academics worldwide.

The HEA reveals what works best to make teaching more effective. We focus entirely on improving approaches to teaching and teaching practice, bringing the sector together through a hub of best practice.  We help to raise the profile of teaching so that staff are recognised for their work.

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Publication date: 9 December 2016