In Dr Tara Moore we have a member of staff who excels when judged against these exacting requirements.
Tara has demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm for her subject, immunology. Immunology is a complex discipline which many students find challenging, but Tara’s zeal and truly dedicated and imaginative approach to her teaching has made this subject comprehensive for the undergraduate and postgraduate students that she has taught, both on campus and by distance learning. Her teaching is intrinsically linked with her research interests and activities and, in a very real and natural way she has been able to inform her teaching with cutting edge research.
In terms of innovation, several years ago, Tara undertook a fundamental review of the format of online teaching on the distance learning immunology module, which is a core module of the MSc programme in Biomedical Sciences. She introduced a more progressive means of teaching including online formative assessments and students being supported to attain a certain level before being able to progress to the next stages of the module. She also included video clips with voice-overs from some of the on-campus visiting lecturers to help to personalise the teaching material. This approach increased pass levels to over 99% with an average mark of >60%.
Tara has been a source of inspiration for her colleagues through her open enthusiasm and the energy she brings to her teaching as well as her obvious aspiration to achieve the highest standards in e-learning. As e-learning co-ordinator, with the School of Biomedical Sciences, Tara has worked with colleagues to implement the innovative e-tutor system helped organise e-tutor briefing days and designed e-tutor information manual. This e-tutor system is new to the University and is beginning to be implemented in other schools as best practice.
One of the strongest features of Tara’s work is her active participation in national and international learning and teaching developments in e-learning. These include her proposal for a new online programme in refraction surgery for ophthalmic surgeons, nurse practitioners, optometrists and refractive technicians which she has pioneered with collaborators from the USA. She has helped with a Learning & Teaching Support Network supported online programme for low vision teaching to optometrists. Additionally in her role as e-learning co-ordinator she has provided continued support for the MSc in Biomedical Sciences and is strongly involved in the MSc in Forensic Medicine.
In summary, Dr Tara Moore is an outstanding and inspiring teacher. Her flair and innovation have had a remarkable influence on the e-learning provision within the School of Biomedical Science. She models the concept of research informing teaching and is well respected for both amongst her local, national and international colleagues. She is undoubtedly a worthy candidate for a Distinguished Teaching and Fellowship Award.