David is an outstanding Director of Learning and Teaching for the School of Education whose standing and strategic leadership in the field of doctoral pedagogy was recognised by Advance HE by granting him the highly competitive Principal Fellowship.
David was chosen to receive the fellowship for his innovative approach to decentred and decolonising doctoral pedagogies as a praise to the clear impact and wide reach, both nationally and internationally, of this work.
The award also recognised his work within the Faculty of Social Sciences in supporting and enhancing the Learning and Teaching scholarship of faculty colleagues.
David said: “I think it is important that teaching specialist staff are recognised for their contributions to learning and teaching both within and beyond the university.
“I was delighted and humbled to be awarded the PFHEA. High quality teaching is central to everything that we do at the School of Education and my colleagues and I strive to introduce innovative and engaging pedagogies that enhance our students' learning and achievements.”
As someone who has been part of the University for the past 26 years, David supports the Advance HE fellowship scheme at each level, as alongside his role he also directs the thesis stage of the EdD, our Professional Doctorate in Education.
David added: “I think the award will benefit me personally and professionally in allowing me to build on my pedagogic contributions to modes of supervision that help students and supervisors move from dependence and transmission to more equitable relationships.
“They will also help champion more collaborative, collegial, and autonomous identities for doctoral researchers.
“I hope the award will also reflect positively on the University’s commitment to encouraging staff to work in innovative and collaborative ways with our students.”
The Principal Fellowship is awarded to professionals who demonstrate they meet the criteria of Descriptor 4 of the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) for teaching and supporting learning in higher education.