Barnsley tutors go the Extra Mile
University Campus Barnsley Thu, 05 May 2011 08:45:00 BST
Jonathan Dobson, senior lecturer in Multimedia and Film and Tracy Howarth, lecturer in Holistic Therapies at the University Campus Barnsley, were a finalists at the recent Extra Mile celebration dinner in Huddersfield. Twenty five colleagues were short listed for their exceptional work and commitment in supporting and developing our students in their chosen professions.
Tracy Howarth and Shilpa Patel, tutor and student
from Holistic Therapies FdA
The Extra Mile Awards 2011 invite students from across the University of Huddersfield to nominate and acknowledge members of staff who have made a significant difference to their experience of university life; this year the University received an unprecedented 570 nominations for 270 staff members. Students nominated staff for a variety of reasons, including:
• Using innovative and inclusive teaching practices which deepened and enhanced their academic learning
• Pastoral support when they faced problems and difficulties relating to both their personal and academic lives
• Helping our international students with the many practicalities involved in coming to the University to study
• Support with work placements and other aspects of gaining relevant experience of their chosen profession
• Assistance in technical and practical work
• Being an inspirational role model – a passion for the subject and community
• Motivating professional development and building confidence.
Jonathan Dobson
Jonathan, known as Joff, received a number of nominations from his students, including Craig Moss who said,
‘When I joined the University, my main focus on the course was the film elements and I had very little interest in 3D development and skills. Things could not be more different as I now prepare to graduate from the University Campus. This transformation of interest can be heavily credited to Joff. His method of teaching enabled me to not just learn and understand 3D skills but to develop an interest in the subject that was key to keeping focused on my 3D work. To have a teacher with Joff’s knowledge and advanced 3D skills is a great asset to the University but it is also his passion for the subject that makes him such a great tutor. Over the course of my degree, whenever I have had a problem with my 3D work no matter how small it may have been, Joff was available to provide the help and advice I needed. It is the respect and encouragement that he gave me that drove me to work harder to improve. Three years ago I would have never seen myself taking part in the extra-curricular 3D activities that I have been working on this year with young people from schools in Barnsley. I feel it’s down to Joff’s motivation and belief in me that I have gained the confidence in myself to do these tasks.’
Tracy Howarth was nominated by Christopher Wood for her support to the cohort of Holistic Therapy students. Christopher was represented at the event by Holistic Therapies student Shilpa Patel. Christopher said,
‘In the short time that Tracy has been with us she has restructured the holistic therapy clinic environment creating a more professional environment that as a trainee holistic therapist I can be proud of during our holistic therapy clinic days. This has been positively commented on by visiting staff and members of the public. She is also proving herself to be a very supportive member of staff, by listening to our issues and then helping us through them. This is most helpful when we are looking for appropriate placements. I also find she is very capable of adapting her taught sessions to meet both the needs and learning styles of our group, whilst ensuring that we are enjoying the learning experience. I know from my own experience of teaching that this is not easy for tutors to do when they are given a set syllabus to work from.. I feel Tracy is a very valuable asset to the University.’
Craig Moss – Digital Film and Visual Effects
Production BA(Hons) graduate
Short listed colleagues along with a nominating student celebrated at an evening reception and dinner at the Queensgate Restaurant. Also in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Thornton: Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), Deans or their representatives and Liz Towns-Andrews: Head of Research and Enterprise. The selection panel which comprised representative colleagues from across the University faced an extremely difficult task in short listing award recipients. Our congratulations go to the many colleagues who received endorsements for their outstanding support and we would like to thank all our students who supported the scheme by submitting nominations.
