Civil Engineering lecturers praised by their students
Seven Civil Engineering academics were nominated by students for the 2014 Excellence in Teaching Awards, run by Southampton University Student Union (SUSU).
Professor Charles Banks and Dr Patrick James were on the shortlist in the Teaching and Learning Lifetime Achievement category. Their colleagues Dr Derek Clarke, Dr Costatino Manes, Despoina Teli, Dr Gerald Muller and Dr Simon Clubley were nominated as Outstanding Lecturers. In addition, Derek was praised for providing Best Feedback and students named Simon in the Contribution to Academic Support category.
Students were invited to explain why they nominated individuals. One said of Charles: "He genuinely cares about TEACHING us - passing down the knowledge in a way we'd understand!" Another said: "Despoina has lectured superbly to make new subjects such as city design and vernacular architecture a hugely enjoyable experience that has met all learning outcomes but also gone further to further my knowledge on top of the concrete foundation provided through lecture material." A third, who nominated Patrick, said: "I've never seen a class (including myself) so continually excited and engaged in every one of his interactive and off-beat lectures; a true inspiration and supportive lecturer!"