Skip to main navigation Skip to main content
The University of Southampton
Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton

Geology lecturer is honoured for teaching with commitment and enthusiasm

Published: 19 September 2014
Andy Barker

Principal Teaching Fellow Dr Andy Barker has received a Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award for his achievements in helping undergraduates understand the practicalities of Geology. Although he works at Ocean and Earth Science on a part-time basis, he teaches on four first and second year modules, coordinates a third year module and supervises projects and fieldwork.

“I am very pleased and proud to have been selected as this year's winner,” says Andy. “I won the inaugural Science Faculty award for teaching in 2002, then spent 10 years away from University pursuing other interests, so to return and be recognised for my teaching once again is fantastic.”

He has devised a new feedback system for petrology practical work using a letter-coded sheet to give students precise guidance on areas to work on to achieve high marks. Andrew is also developing a series of self-test quizzes on the student intranet Blackboard to help students check their mineral identification skills.

Andy continues: “I believe it is important to deliver teaching with commitment and enthusiasm to inspire students to develop their knowledge and interest in the subject. This forms the basis of my whole approach to teaching, together with a friendly and supportive attitude such that each student feels they are valued and can contact me for additional support and guidance whenever they need it.”

Dr Lisa McNeill who sponsored him for the award says: “The superb quality of his teaching, his ability to pass on his knowledge, and his empathetic approach to the students is very clearly recognised by them.”

Privacy Settings