Jenny Slaughter (Chemistry)

Jenny's award was given in recognition of her sustained track record for excellence in teaching and learning through:

• Implementing training at School and then at Faculty level for 1000+ GTAs who have taught and marked student work over the years
• Driving change in staffing structures to support GTAs
• Leading a team of staff from across the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) to ensure continued excellence in training
• Constructing a new LEAP (Leadership in Education Awards Programme) mentoring pathway for GTAs to achieve AdvanceHE accreditation

These efforts had positive impact on the learning environment for the UG and PG students, for GTAs themselves and for academic and PS staff who support GTAs across FSE at the University of Manchester. Jenny understood that GTAs are key to the teaching and learning that occurs in Higher Education, and that to provide excellent teaching, GTAs must understand the needs of diverse learners and ensure inclusivity in their teaching practice. To support an inquiry-based learning environ, GTAs must be able to encourage curiosity, questioning and to support UGs through failure. Research has shown that GTAs directly influence UG student performance and retention.
 
The School of Chemistry saw positive student feedback in UEQs relating to laboratory courses. For example, the question “The GTAs (demonstrators) in the lab were professional and provided support” received an average of 4.0/5.0 response rate in UEQs for first and second year lab courses in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 academic years. The health and safety record for the teaching laboratories has dramatically improved; an outcome the Safety Officer attributes to improvement in GTA attitudes and abilities. support resources, including advice and exemplars, which was developed within the FSE GTA training programme.