Inaugural Teaching Awards Recognise PhD Students Commitment to Teaching and Learning

Posted on: 23 May 2012

The inaugural Dermot McAleese Teaching Awards were presented by TCD Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast recently to teaching assistants in the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy in recognition of their outstanding contribution in the pursuit of teaching excellence. 

The recipients from the School’s four departments included: Emma Howard of the Economics Department, Richard Hamilton of the Philosophy Department, Justin Leinaweaver of the Political Science Department and Lorraine Mancey of the Sociology Department.

Awards winners from left, Justin Leinaweaver, Emma Howard, Lorraine Mancey and Richard Hamilton with TCD Provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast (middle)

This is the first time an award has been presented in Trinity College Dublin which aims to recognise the work of teaching assistants. It was made possible thanks to the generosity of graduates of the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy who have donated to Trinity in recent years.

Commenting on the award Professor James Wickham, Head of the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy said: “We wanted to take the opportunity to recognise the invaluable role these PhD students have played in delivering high quality and engaging teaching in the School. Their commitment, enthusiasm and creativity have truly helped to enrich the learning opportunities of our students. It is also fitting that this award is named after Dermot McAleese, former Whately Professor of Political Economy and a much loved teacher within the School.”

The winners were selected through a nomination process which involved assessing their creativity in delivering tutorials; the role of their tutorials in stimulating critical thinking amongst the students; their responsiveness and engagement with students; good organisation and problem solving; and the contribution of tutorials to the overall delivery of the course.