On 8 June, MatNat-UiB and UNIS announced the recipients of the recent Excellent Teaching Practitioner (ETP) designation. Given that all seven of the new ETPs are affiliated closely with one of the UiB/UNIS Centres for Excellence in Education (SFUs)—four with bioCEED and three with iEarth—it is clear that these centres have had a profound impact on the teaching culture in Norway. And it is not just ETPs! Several bioCEED folks have, in the past, received Thon Excellence in Teaching awards, the UiB Learning Environment Prize, the UiB Working Environment Prize, etc., and iEarth’s Bjarte Hannisdal recently won the National Prize for Quality in Education.
This year’s Excellent Teaching Practitioners at MatNat at the summer seminar. From left: Dean Gunn Mangerud, Anne Bjune, Sehoya Cotner, Bjarte Hannisdal, Jorun Nyléhn, Vigdis Vandvik and Vice Dean for Education Sigrunn Eliassen. Kjersti B. Daae and Maria Jensen were not present. Photo/illus.: Jin Sigve Mæland/UiB
The merit system for Excellent Teaching Practitioners focuses on student-centred teaching, on having a research approach, and on systematic development over time. ETPs also must demonstrate collegiality. With ETP status, one becomes a member in The Pedagogical Academy.
Specifically, the merit scheme emphasizes that the teacher must be able to document and describe their practice in four main areas:
- A focus on the students’ learning
- Clear development over time
- An scholarly approach to teaching
- A collegial attitude and practice
Appointment of Excellent Teaching Practitioners takes place every two years, and with this year’s seven awards, MatNat has 19 outstanding teachers. Congratulations!