You won the Award for CASS this year, what are your thoughts on it?
I was thrilled to win this award. It means so much that my students have had a positive experience on my courses. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with every cohort of students during my time at the University and I am honoured that they nominated me for this award.
Why do you think that you won this year?
I aim to create a positive, engaging, energetic atmosphere in the classroom where students can express their ideas in a comfortable and constructive environment. I believe that my students really appreciate this open learning environment and feel that they can contribute to interesting and stimulating discussions. I think that recognising that each group of students is different, and engaging in a dynamic that values each individual student’s contribution is very important. From feedback I have received, students really value this dynamic and the opportunity it creates for them to connect with their classmates.
I see that you have been described as an inspiration. What do you think it is about your teaching that is “inspirational”?
I am very passionate about my subject and I try and relate this to my students through engaging and interactive teaching. The area of linguistics that I teach centers on human interaction and understanding different dynamics in communicative events. It is therefore important to enable students to reflect on their own experiences and connect with their classmates in order to enrich their learning experience. Perhaps it is this that students find inspiring, as I try to encourage them to see the world from a different perspective.
Do you think it will have an impact on your teaching in the future?
Definitely, I value my students’ feedback and I will endeavor to continue to provide engaging and motivational teaching in the future. I think that it is truly important to give students a sense of ownership of their subject so as to instill enthusiasm and enhance learning and I aim to provide them with the most positive learning experience possible.
Dr Tania Fahey Palma: t.faheypalma@abdn.ac.uk