Mary Immaculate College’s PETE Team Honoured with DELTA Award for Teaching and Learning Excellence

Posted: 13 December, 2023

The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education has announced the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) team at Mary Immaculate College, led by Dr Michelle Dillon, as the latest recipient of the esteemed Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Award. This prestigious national award is granted to discipline groups that demonstrate a sustained record of excellence in teaching and learning enhancement.

Mary Immaculate College’s PETE team is enhancing the student learning experience in teacher education for physical education, using the DELTA Framework as a catalyst for student-teacher partnership and an integrated approach to learning, teaching, and assessment. The team has been adeptly navigating Ireland’s new Primary Curriculum Framework, aligning with the Teaching Council and Céim standards. The award will serve as a planning tool for future endeavours, elevating their national and international profile in the field.

Dr Ross Woods, Senior Manager of the Higher Education Authority and National Forum, remarked, “The recognition of Mary Immaculate College’s PETE team by the DELTA award underscores the significance of innovative teaching in shaping future educators. This award highlights the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability in teaching, which are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape. This award also acknowledges their impactful contributions not just within their institution but also in setting an example for other educational communities.”

Professor Marie Clarke, the National Forum chairperson, added, “The PETE team at Mary Immaculate College showcases an exemplary model of how to enrich the educational journey for students. Their innovative approach and commitment to adapting teaching pedagogy not only elevates the quality of teacher education but also significantly enhances the learning experience for students. Their dedication to excellence sets a high standard for others in the field.”

The National Forum congratulates Mary Immaculate College and the PETE team and encourages other discipline groups who are eligible to apply for the DELTA Award. The DELTA Awards form an integral part of the overall teaching enhancement approach of the National Forum, recognising the value of teaching at a national level and highlighting the quality of higher education in Ireland. We extend our thanks to the panel for their insightful evaluations and contributions, which included Dr Suzanne Fergus (University of Hertfordshire), Bryan O’Mahony (Union of Students in Ireland), Rebecca Roper (Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology), Dr Pio Fenton (Munster Technological University), Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin (Atlantic Technological University), and Dr Anita Byrne (Dundalk Institute of Technology).

The next deadline for expressions of interest in the DELTA Awards is 03 July 2024. Visit teachingandlearning.ie/awards/delta-award/ for more details.