Aberystwyth University Academic Nationally Recognised for Teaching Excellence

Dr Elena Korosteleva, Lecturer in European Politics at Aberystwyth University, has been nationally recognised for her contribution to the development of excellence in teaching.

Dr Korosteleva has been awarded the prestigious BISA/C-SAP Teaching Award for Excellence in Teaching International Studies (2008-2009), which is awarded annually by the British International Studies Association and Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Sociology, Anthropology and Politics, at the C-SAP Conference in Birmingham on 26 November 2009.

In deciding the award the committee noted: “Dr Elena Korosteleva pedagogical approach attempts to create a holistic, student-centred and reflective teaching and learning ecology in the classroom which ultimately aims to develop deep or life-long learning in her students.

"In a second year European politics undergraduate module, she adopted an experiential, enactive teaching mode based on a threshold concept format. Class activities included role-playing exercises and citizens juries which were designed to assist revision and generate reflective evaluation. Student feedback and careful evaluation of the results clearly demonstrates the pedagogic value of her enactive, student-centred teaching approach for facilitating deep learning.”

Dr Korosteleva, who joined the Department of International Politics in 2004, is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and completed Aberystwyth University’s Postgraduate Certificate for Teaching in Higher Education (PGCTHE) in 2007. She has also won the university’s own prestigious Teaching Excellence Award in 2009.

Commenting on her award Dr Korosteleva said: "“On joining the university I undertook the PGCTHE which proved particularly stimulating, especially in learning to engage with students interactively; and from a personal perspective continuous development of academic practice has both benefited me and my students throughout my career to this point.

I feel lucky to have won this award but it should be recognised that I am part of a dedicated team, who actively seek to support and develop the student learning experience. My personal thanks goes to my colleagues, both academic and support, in the Department of International Politics, the e-Learning Team in Information Services and to the staff in the Centre for the Development of Staff and Academic Practice for their continued support and encouragement.”

Professor Martin Jones, Pro-Vice Chancellor Learning and Teaching commented: ""I would like to congratulate Dr Korosteleva for her innovative approach to learning and teaching. Aberystwyth University has long been recognised as an institution which places great emphasis on high standards of learning and teaching and assessment.  We recognise that quality teachers are a primary factor in enabling students to reach their full potential and they, in turn, will shape the future of our society.

"Almost all of us can recall a teacher from our University days who made a positive impact upon us and our work; they are inspirational people who shape the student experience for the better.  This is an excellent achievement, indeed".