I’m so happy to finally be able to tell you all that I’ve been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by Advance HE in recognition of my innovative and engaging approaches to teaching neuroscience! I’m absolutely chuffed and incredibly grateful to receive this award which celebrates excellence and innovation in Higher Education teaching in the UK by recognising individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in Higher Education.
It’s such a prestigious award and if I am totally honest, I still can’t quite believe it. But I’ll let you into a little secret, when I was initially approached to apply, I thought that I wasn’t quite there yet and maybe that I should wait a year or two to apply. Thankfully incredible colleagues and mentors convinced me to give it a go. In fact, this simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support and encouragement of others, I owe huge thanks to them and a particular shout out to everyone at the Learning and Teaching Academy at Cardiff University for their awesome support.
Regular readers might also know that I’m not great at stopping, pausing and acknowledging. So, I wanted to use this blog post to celebrate and raise awareness of the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme, because I think it is a fantastic innovative which recognises and rewards excellence in teaching and scholarship in Higher Education across the UK.
My application focused on my teaching philosophy which focuses on communication, connection and compassion. I use my background in science communication and public engagement to make complex neuroscience concepts accessible and engaging for students. Some of my unique teaching methods include using props like inflatable brains, hosting “mini discos” where students suggest songs related to course topics, and starting lectures with anonymous “wellbeing polls” to check in on how students are feeling, all designed to engage and inspire students.
Student feedback shows that these techniques make a real difference not only academically but pastorally too, inspiring passion for Neuroscience alongside making lectures enjoyable and something to look forward to.
I’m also committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in my teaching approach. From providing my own gender pronouns in introductions to warning students before loud sound effects, I aim to create an inclusive environment. I’m determined to continue pursuing innovation and engagement in my teaching practices. My ultimate goal is for every student (and anyone else who I happen to speak to) to see neuroscience as accessible, interesting, relevant and fun!
I also included the work that I have undertaken to provide exceptional pastoral support to students through Mental Health First Aid training. Beyond my own teaching, I’m dedicated to raising the profile of excellence in Higher Education more broadly. I actively mentor other educators, share techniques on social media, speak at teaching conferences, and take on volunteering roles to promote excellence in teaching, learning and scholarship. You can read my full National Teaching Fellow profile here and of course my cats Peter and Peggy get a little shout out!
Above all else, this award recognises the transformative impact teaching can have on students’ lives. It is such a pleasure and privilege to be able to touch the lives of students, often in a small way, I am so very grateful to be able to do that in my job.
If you want to check out more about the National Teaching Fellowship scheme run by Advance HE check out their website. A huge congratulations to all winners, I can’t wait to meet you all and join this wonderful community.
But for now, I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped me achieve this, particularly the many students who have laughed with me when technology has failed in my teaching innovations and for continuing to ask questions that inspire me in my own learning. You’re all awesome. and now I am going to go and celebrate!
Dr Emma Yhnell 