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Teaching stars celebrate double win in national awards

08 Aug 2024

We are delighted to announce two prestigious national award wins: the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) and a new appointment to the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme.

UMLST

For the second consecutive year, the University has received the CATE from Advance HE, with this year’s accolade going to The University of Manchester Library Student Team (UMLST). Developed and led by Jennie Blake, Head of Teaching and Learning Development for the University of Manchester Library and the University’s Academic Lead for Student Success, UMLST has become a cornerstone of student-led teaching and learning at the Library.

This achievement makes Jennie the University’s first individual to receive both the CATE and National Teaching Fellow accolades.

The UMLST model involves current students working closely with University staff over extended periods to enhance Library services and develop inclusive learning resources like the award-winning My Learning Essentials academic skills programme. Student members spearhead initiatives, provide a strong voice for their peers, and represent Manchester’s diverse community through local outreach and national workshops. Their contributions extend to shaping University-wide policies, fostering a culture of inclusivity and positive change.

Student member Durian (Divya) Malhotra shared, “Every day is always so exciting, and with a wonderful team to support you every step of the way, you’re never alone. Being an ST has made me feel like my voice as a student has made a truly important impact at the University.”

Jennie Blake added, “Our Library Student Team is at the centre of every service, activity, and initiative we deliver for students — they are full collaborative partners and leaders, celebrated for their lived experiences, energy, and commitment to student success.”

Additionally, we are also celebrating the announcement of a new National Teaching Fellow among our ranks this year. Dr Minjie Xing, Senior Language Tutor in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, is passionate about promoting research-informed approaches to language teaching and fostering the development of learning communities. Across the UK, Europe and China, she is recognised for her expertise in multimodal interactive learning pedagogy, language for specific purposes and intercultural communication.

With her extensive knowledge and experience, Minjie has made an outstanding impact at our University. Her focus on ‘real-life’ language learning promotes connections between native speakers and non-native speakers, helping to build intercultural understanding through friendships.

Dr Minjie Xing

Reflecting on her award, Minjie said, “It is a great honour for a language tutor to be awarded National Teaching Fellow, which could be an inspiration for colleagues in teaching to make more contributions to enrich our students' learning experience.”

We are one of only a few British universities with a significant and popular offering in Chinese Studies that caters for all levels– in no small part down to Minjie’s high standards and strong professional networks. She is incredibly active in outreach activities too, bringing the joy of language learning to schools, colleges and the local community.

Alison Johns, Advance HE Chief Executive, commented, “Outstanding teaching is the result of knowledge, commitment, passion, energy, and creativity. All of these 2024 winners demonstrate these attributes and put them into practice with excellent results.”

  • The 2024 Awards Ceremony will take place at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh on Thursday, 3 October.