Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Awards Celebrates Outstanding Achievement of MTU and SETU Teams

Posted: 30 June, 2023

The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education has announced that teams from two Irish higher education institutions have been distinguished with the Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Award. This prestigious national award is granted to discipline groups that exhibit a record of excellence in teaching and learning enhancement and who commit to an ongoing, clearly articulated, shared process of continued enhancement.

The successful teams are:

• Sport & Leisure Team, from the Department of Sport, Leisure and Childhood Studies, Munster Technological University, led by Thomas Broderick.
• School of Business, from the South East Technological University, led by Professor Denis Harrington.

Applications were evaluated by a review panel of experts and a student representative. The panel praised the award-winning teams for their innovative and cooperative strategies in overcoming obstacles, highlighting their significant contributions to Ireland’s higher education teaching and learning landscape. Commendations were given for the teams’ visionary approach, innovative methodologies, and dedication to student-centred pedagogies, reflecting the core values of disciplinary excellence in learning, teaching, and assessment.

Dr Alan Wall, CEO of the Higher Education Authority, stated, “The achievement of the MTU Sport & Leisure Team and the SETU School of Business highlights the importance of innovative and forward-thinking teaching and learning practices in our higher education institutions. Their recognition by the DELTA award is well-deserved and sets a commendable benchmark for other institutions to aspire to.”

Professor Marie Clarke, the National Forum chairperson, added, “These two teams have shown exceptional dedication and innovation in their pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning. The DELTA award recognises not just their past achievements, but also their commitment to continual improvement and adaptation. We are delighted to acknowledge their hard work and look forward to seeing how they will continue to enhance the learning experiences of their students.”

With the latest round of awards, a total of 28 teams have been acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to teaching and learning since the establishment of the DELTA Awards in 2018.

All discipline groups across Irish higher education who can demonstrate specific achievements in teaching and learning enhancement and a clear commitment to future enhancement of teaching and learning are invited to apply for the DELTA Award. Eligible groups can be a school, department, a programme team or any established collaboration/group of teachers within a subject/discipline recognised by their home institution.

The National Forum congratulates the latest award recipients and encourages other discipline groups to follow their path and strive for excellence in teaching and learning enhancement.

The next deadline for expressions of interest in the DELTA Awards is 05 July 2023. Visit teachingandlearning.ie/awards/delta-award/ for more details.