President's Teaching and Learning Awards presented at DCU today
25 May 2005

The President of DCU, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, today presented his annual Teaching and Learning awards to DCU staff members who have made outstanding contributions to the teaching and learning mission of the university.

The award is made annually. Nominations are made by students and staff which are then adjudicated on by a panel appointed by the University Teaching and Learning Committee. The awards are also supported under the HEA Strategic Initiatives scheme.

One recipient of this year's awards is Eilish McLoughlin, lecturer in the School of Physical Sciences, who was unable to attend the ceremony, and the second is a team of non-academics who are involved in the e-learning project `Moodle'. Jennifer Burke, Morag Munro and Denis Cahalane together provide both technical as well as pedagogical support for all users of the Moodle project, from academic staff to students and to outside agencies.

The President of DCU, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, said that the university placed a strong value on teaching skills. "The goal of a university is not just to gain knowledge for its own sake, but to disseminate it for the benefit of its students within the university community, and for the benefit of those in the wider world. Today's two awards demonstrate DCU's sense of commitment to this value. Eilish was nominated by her students for her extraordinary activities in the area of science outreach and student recruitment. Through her energy, enthusiasm, organisational talent and excellent communication skills, Eilish has made a significant difference to many students, both within and outside DCU.

The `Moodle' team, on the other hand, have demonstrated that their contribution to teaching and learning does not stop in DCU. Their involvement in this new technology-rich teaching methodology has shown that Moodle is more than just another `teaching tool'. It has implications for the organisation of international conferences, the management of European projects and can be also used to improve internal communications", he said.

The nominees for the awards were:

Eoin Campbell, School of Communications - for the simple and logical manner with which he explains
Briege Casey, School of Nursing - `who showed us that, as nurses, we can look deeper, find more, in the everyday and ordinary things we see in the hospital, be it pain, joy, love or disfigurement. She taught us to find the meaning in our role and to seek out the emotions we face.
Francesco Cavatorta, School of Law and Government - he distinguishes himself by the level of interaction he encourages and his tolerance of all the questions you want to ask but sometimes feel you can't.
David Denby, School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies - `He is fair and understanding in all aspects of our studies. No matter what time of the day, David manages to bring humour and wit to each lesson. He is one of the lecturers we will always remember'.
Pamela Henry, School of Nursing - She deserves to be applauded for her constant surveillance, course content and innovation'.
Lyn Killen, School of Computing - `We strongly believe Lynn is the best lecturer we have encountered in DCU. It is also obvious that her whole class holds her in high regard in terms of teaching'.
Brigitte le Juez, School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies - Her personable manner, her openness and her pedagogical talent make her a very popular lecturer from first year to Master's level'.
Carmen Mangiron, School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies - `Carmen is very approachable and makes the class very enjoyable'.
Gerard McDermott, School of Chemical Sciences - ` Learning is about understanding, about understanding who you are teaching, about faith in your students, about patience, guidance and direction, and these are what Gerard has shown to me and to others'.
Des McGuinness, School of Communications - `He inspires students at all levels to participate and find their own niche in his subjects. He makes an effort to engage each and every student in each and every lecture, and he usually succeeds'.
John McLoughlin, School of Chemical Sciences - `His non-condescending, accommodating and friendly manner makes him a worthy nominee'.
Carmel Mulcahy, School of Education Studies - `She lives her values and holds all her students in unconditional positive regard, thus allowing us to build on strengths and counter any weaknesses within a safe and supportive environment'.
Gerry Mullins, School of Communications - `'He is always quick to offer help and advice to anyone who may need it on any aspect of the area. We have learnt valuable skills from him that will stand to us throughout our careers'.
Noel Murphy, School of Electronic Engineering - ` Patience, dedication and genuine enthusiasm are the principal qualities of Noel's outstanding contribution to teaching and learning. He is extraordinarily generous in sharing his knowledge and skills and giving of his time'.
Michael Parkinson, School of Biotechnology - `If ever you need advice, you know you can always talk to him'.
Joanne Richards, Student Support & Development - `Joanne deserves the award because she completely dedicates herself to a huge number of students and helps us to make the best of our learning in DCU'.
Subject Librarians (Julie Allen, Lisa Callaghan, Amanda Halpin, Janice Hill, Aisling McDermott, David Meehan) - `They demonstrate exceptional creativity when carrying out their responsibilities'.
Brian Trench, School of Communications - `He has not only been an innovative teacher himself but has continually acted as someone who generates new ideas about how teaching can be more productive, more interactive, more rewarding for all'.
Declan Tuite, School of Communications - `He genuinely aims for all students to reach their potential and gives huge amounts of his time to help them to reach their goals'.