The Learning and Teaching Awards is your chance as a student to thank staff for their hard work and celebrate the very best of teaching and support at the University.
Staff play a pivotal role in the student experience at SOAS, from lecturers and tutors to supervisors and personal tutors, and professional services staff.
Nominations for this year’s awards are now open.
Listed below are the awards that are up for grabs for the amazing teachers who have made a difference to your university learning experience, alongside some prompts to help you decide.
Note: You can nominate as many categories as you wish. You can also nominate the same staff member for more than one category.
Outstanding Teaching Award
Description: This award recognises an exceptional teacher or academic staff member who has greatly improved students' learning and experience.
Criteria:
- Gives helpful and timely feedback on assessments.
- Uses an engaging and unique teaching style.
- Creates a positive learning environment.
- Focuses on students' needs and adapts teaching accordingly.
Department of the Year
Description: Honours a department that offers valuable activities, opportunities, and skill development for students.
Criteria:
- Provides extra learning activities and chances to build skills.
- Builds a strong sense of community among staff and students.
- Uses student feedback to make improvements.
Postgraduate Research Supervisor of the Year Award
Description: Celebrates a research supervisor who gives excellent support and guidance to postgraduate students.
Criteria:
- Has deep knowledge and offers helpful research advice.
- Provides clear and constructive feedback.
- Helps students overcome challenges in their research.
- Encourages students to publish and present their work.
- Creates a supportive and collaborative research environment.
Inclusive Education Award
Description: Recognises a staff member who promotes equality and makes learning accessible for all students.
Criteria:
- Uses diverse perspectives and resources in teaching.
- Designs materials and assessments that suit different needs.
- Promotes fairness and diversity in class.
- Ensures every student’s voice is heard and respected.
- Works to remove barriers for underrepresented students.
Outstanding Feedback and Communication Award
Description: Honours a staff member who provides clear, helpful feedback and communicates well with students.
Criteria:
- Gives detailed and timely feedback that helps students improve.
- Keeps communication open and responsive.
- Encourages follow-up discussions for clarity.
- Adapts communication to fit different student needs.
Student Voice Award
Description: Recognises a staff member who listens to students and includes their feedback in decisions.
Criteria:
- Actively gathers and uses student feedback.
- Involves students in decisions about courses and programs.
- Provides ways for students to share their views.
- Supports initiatives that focus on students’ needs.
Innovative Teaching Award
Description: Celebrates a staff member who uses creative teaching methods to make learning more engaging.
Criteria:
- Uses unique and effective teaching strategies.
- Incorporates technology creatively in lessons.
- Adapts teaching to suit different learning styles.
- Designs innovative ways to assess students' understanding.
- Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving
Things you need to know/FAQs:
Who can I nominate?
You can nominate any member of staff across the University. All staff employed by the University – whether salaried or hourly – can be nominated. That includes support and professional services staff, administrative staff, tutors, PhD students who teach, supervisors, and lecturers.
When do nominations close?
Nominations are open from today and will close on 4th April.
Who can nominate?
All students - whether you’re Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research, on-campus or online, studying full or part-time - can nominate.
Can I submit more than one nomination?
Yes, you can submit as many nominations as you want! You can nominate the same staff member in multiple categories, and you can also nominate multiple staff for the same category.
What happens after I’ve submitted my nomination?
Once you submit your nomination, it will be checked by the SU and the learning and teaching team to ensure the nominees meet the criteria. Nominees will then be shortlisted, and an email will be sent out to the staff member you’ve nominated, letting them know they have been nominated and sharing your comments with them.
Who chooses the winners?
The teaching awards are student-led. Once nominees have been shortlisted, the sabbatical officers and the college reps will long-list the short-listed nominees.
When will the results be announced?
The results will be announced at the Awards Night.
When is the Awards Night?
The Awards Night for the 2024-2025 will be announced soon. So, keep an eye out after then for updates on all the winners on our website and socials.
Can I help promote the Teaching Awards?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a staff member, a student representative, or just passionate about great teaching, we’d love for you to encourage students to submit their nominations.
For the students’ nominations, we’d love to get a 30-second clip of you explaining why you’ve chosen that staff member for a chance to attend the Awards night.