Trio of lecturers nominated for UHI teaching awards

Three lecturers at Shetland College have been nominated for teaching awards run annually by the student association of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

They are Simon Clarke, Euan Robertson and Anne-Marie McDiarmid, who lecture in heritage, computing and contemporary textiles respectively.

The recognition for their efforts comes a few weeks after students of all ages at the college celebrated their own graduation and awards ceremonies.

The awards are judged by a student panel who decide the winners based on the strength of the nominations, rather than simply counting votes. The eight categories cover a wide range of topics.

Mr Clarke delivers a range of courses over video conference to the UHI partnership so he was well placed to be nominated for “most engaging VC lecturer”.

The students praised his organisation, good use of visual aids, and his collaborative teaching style.

One student said: “I come away from all Simon’s VCs feeling as though I have really learned something. I really look forward to his lectures.”

Mr Robertson was nominated for “most inspiring lecturer” by a student who has been with him for three years. He was praised for his enthusiasm for the subject, and an ability to make even the more mundane parts of his courses interesting and engaging.

The student mentioned Mr Robertson’s patience and control over the class, and also an inclusive atmosphere which made everyone feel comfortable.

She said: “A lot of us were high school dropouts with no clear future plans and no real confidence in our academic abilities. I was not the only student made to feel like maybe achieving something great with my life, getting a good career or into my dream university, was something that could be attainable and not just some youthful fantasy.”

A similarly supportive atmosphere was highlighted in the nomination of Ms McDiarmid. No less than 13 students put forward nominations, praising her patience, her dedication to help students, her extensive knowledge of the subject, and her kind personality.

One student said: “Anne-Marie has well and truly gone out of her way to ensure all of us on the BA Contemporary Textiles course in Shetland have plenty of resources and materials to make the most of our time at college.

“She is incredibly supportive and helpful, spending so much of her time preparing for the next day of teaching and practical work. All her hard work is well appreciated by all the students here in the art building of Shetland College.”