Posted 25 November 2009
UCD academic honoured for excellence in teaching
In recognition of her exemplary teaching and innovative research, and her ability to successfully combine these two roles, Dr Amanda Gibney from the UCD School of Architecture, Landscape and Civil Engineering has been honoured with a National Award for Excellence in Teaching. The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese presented the award in Dublin Castle on 18 November 2009.
The awards were introduced by the National Academy for the Integration of Research & Teaching & Learning (NAIRTL) in 2008. They honour exemplary teachers who are also innovative researchers in higher education in Ireland. Candidates are nominated by their institutions and selected by a committee which includes international representatives, representatives of the Irish University Association, the Institutes of Technology Ireland, and the Union of Students in Ireland.
Pictured far right: Dr Amanda Gibney receiving her award from the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese
At the award ceremony, President McAleese highlighted the significant role of integrating research, teaching and learning in the recovery of a sustainable economy. She encouraged teachers to lead by example and to provide innovative and creative teaching and learning opportunities in our higher education institutions.
“Dr Gibney has achieved great success in the development of the Masters of Engineering programme (Structural Engineering with Architecture) at UCD,” said Professor Bairbre Redmond, Deputy Registrar Teaching & Learning, UCD. “The programme blends traditional engineering pedagogy with an active learning approach and successfully incorporates the development of creativity, inventiveness and students’ independent learning into the engineering curriculum.”
“Her progression as a leader in educational innovation at UCD has been impressive. In 2007, she received a competitive UCD Fellowship in Teaching and Academic Development, followed by a College Teaching Award in 2008.”
This year there was an 80% increase in the number of nominations received with fourteen Higher Education Institutions taking part. A total of 5 individual awards were made. The National Academy for the Integration of Research & Teaching (NAIRTL) is funded by the HEA Strategic Innovation Fund.
Dr Gibney from the UCD School of Architecture, Landscape and Civil Engineering is Vice-Principal for Teaching & Learning at the UCD College of Engineering Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and a UCD Fellow in Teaching and Academic Development. As part of the award, Dr Gibney received €5,000 which can be used for further professional development and enhancement of teaching.
For more information see - www.nairtl.ie/
(Produced by UCD University Relations)
