Twelve inspirational academics have been honoured for outstanding teaching in the University’s 23rd Pilkington Prizes.
They include Dr Keith Seffen - University Senior Lecturer, Department of Engineering
Keith is one of the most outstanding staff members in the Engineering Department. His teaching activities range from the large Part I structural engineering classes for 300 students to the research courses for a handful of graduates on advanced topics such as shell theory.
He has frequently been the recipient of student-voted Best Lecturer Awards. The popularity of his teaching is due not only to the panache with which he delivers his lectures, entertaining while he teaches, but also to the masterful clarity of his lecture notes. These provide exactly what students want and need, and are exemplars of good practice. They are carefully prepared to the highest professional standards and embedded with many illustrative computer-drawn diagrams. He willingly devotes the time and energy to generate these superb documents whenever he takes on a new course.
As a colleague, Keith is highly valued. His judgment and integrity are excellent and he is completely dependable. He is courteous, thoughtful and helpful.
While the prizes reveal the diversity of teaching at Cambridge, certain themes emerge from this year’s awards including the effective use of digital technology; the development of confidence through the supervisory system; the value of research-led teaching; the continuing importance of face-to-face lecturing, innovation in teaching practice, and above all, dedication to students.
The Pilkington Prizes were initiated by Sir Alastair Pilkington – graduate of Trinity College, engineer and businessman – who passionately believed that teaching excellence was crucial to Cambridge’s future success.
The Pilkington Prizes are organised by The Cambridge Centre for Teaching and Learning, which supports staff by providing training, developing networks, hosting events and encouraging and funding innovation. The Centre also provides a focus for strategic priorities within Cambridge and for engaging with national and international developments in Higher Education.
