Dr Ulrich Schmiedel has become a Fellow (FHEA), and Dr Naomi Appleton and Dr Anja Klein have become Senior Fellows (SFHEA) of the Higher Education Academy, demonstrating their commitment to teaching, learning and the student experience. Image Dr Naomi Appleton, Dr Anja Klein and Dr Ulrich Schmiedel Candidates for the Fellowships have to demonstrate that their professional teaching practice meets the standards of the Higher Education Academy. The Edinburgh Teaching Award (EdTA) provides a recognised route academics can follow to achieve the different categories of Fellowship awarded by the HEA. Applicants demonstrate their achievement against the relevant descriptor from the UK Professional Standards Framework. The UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) is a national framework for recognising and benchmarking teaching and learning support roles within Higher Education. Dr Klein says, “I have always thought a lot about what makes teaching work, and when I became Director of Undergraduate Studies, managing teaching was a big chunk of my day. So it made sense to enrol on the Edinburgh Teaching Award and reflect a bit more on teaching practice at the School. Some of it was fun, some of it was hard work, but I hope that it will make a difference!” Dr Appleton’s application focussed on her role in leading the School's inclusive-curriculum review and other initiatives from her time as our Equality and Diversity Director. She now manages our Schools Outreach programme, running successful Discovery Days for Highers pupils of Religious, Moral, & Philosophical Studies (RMPS) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) days for teachers. Student-centred approach Dr Schmiedel says, “Fellowships are awarded on the basis of an integrated approach to pedagogical practice, including experience of a variety of teaching forms and formats, knowledge of subject-specific pedagogical scholarship, engagement with diverse learning profiles, and commitment to continuing professional development. Personally, I put the focus on my student-centred approach to teaching.” Links Higher Education Academy Edinburgh Teaching Awatd (EdTA) Divinity Schools Outreach It's a great achievement, and lovely to see so many of our colleagues gaining teaching qualifications. Professor Helen BondHead of School This article was published on 2024-03-19
