Stirling psychology lecturer recognised for innovative teaching
A University of Stirling psychology lecturer has been awarded a prestigious higher education fellowship for excellence in teaching.
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A University of Stirling psychology lecturer has been awarded a prestigious higher education fellowship for excellence in teaching.
Dr Wendy Maltinsky has been made an Advance HE Principal Fellow, becoming only the second ever Principal Fellow from Stirling, recognising some of the innovative practices she has employed in teaching before and during the pandemic.
In October, Advance HE celebrated appointing 150,000 fellows, of which only 1,448 are Principal Fellows. Principal Fellows must demonstrate a sustained record of effective strategic leadership in academic practice and academic development, contributing to high quality student learning.
Lecturer in Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences
I am fervent in my belief that online teaching should not simply be a repository of materials, but should engage students in an active and participatory way in much the same way as face-to-face.
Dr Maltinsky, who is a lecturer in health psychology, said: “Receiving this fellowship means I feel recognised by my peers and valued for the innovative practices and collaborative pedagogical philosophies I apply to my teaching.
“When the pandemic forced the University of Stirling to pivot to online learning, I was in a strong position to support my colleagues. I am fervent in my belief that online teaching should not simply be a repository of materials, but should engage students in an active and participatory way in much the same way as face-to-face.
“I have questioned face-to-face learning since before the pandemic – what is it about students sitting in front of us in a lecture hall of 300 that is more advantageous than small group online learning communities?
“In both environments, I try to think about the activities that will support engagement. For face-to-face learning, I can bring out my bag of Lego, playdough, colourful cards and string (though with new requirements for sanitising!). Finding similar methods in online learning can be a challenge, but the most important resource we have in teaching is each other and the remarkable and innovative ideas that we can generate together.”
Professor Leigh Sparks, Deputy Principal (Education and Students), said: “I offer my sincere congratulations to Dr Maltinsky. Being awarded Principal Fellow status by Advance HE is a tremendous personal achievement, and one that I know will inspire others.
“Providing the best student experience motivates everything we do at Stirling, and Dr Maltinksy goes above and beyond to really interrogate and implement best teaching practice, whether online or in-person. We are grateful for her valuable contributions to student learning.”