Management School staff winners of Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Awards
Three groups of staff from the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) were honoured with prestigious Learning, Teaching and Student Experience (LTSE) Awards for the 2024-25 academic year, underscoring the school’s commitment to enhancing student experience and educational excellence.
The LTSE Awards, held in February, saw nominees presenting their projects to a panel of esteemed judges, who recognised their significant contributions to the University’s student experience. For the 2024-25 academic year, ULMS staff secured three out of the eight available awards. Each winning team received a £500 grant to further support learning and teaching initiatives.
Award winners: Ellie Jennings, Sam Riella, Sarah Hanson and Cornelia Nelson were awarded the Team Award for their innovative Connect:ED An early transition project for ULMS first-year widening participation students project which is designed to support first-year Widening Participation (WP) students.
This six-week early transition initiative, which is directly linked to the University’s Access and Participation Plan, aims to bridge the success gap between Year 1 and Year 2. Through collaboration with central WP and Careers teams, Connect:ED enhances cultural capital, builds professional networks, and provides work experience opportunities in a supportive environment.
Tony Murphy, Employability Team Leader, said: “I’m thrilled the hard work of the team has been recognised. Our Connect:ED project was designed to offer sustained support for first-year students leading up to their second year, in collaboration with the University of Liverpool Widening Participation team and Careers and Employability. This award is thoroughly well deserved!"
Award winners: Chris Barlow, Sarah Agate, Julie Gardner, Anne Pettit, Chloe Gibbons and Lucy Clark were also awarded the Team Award for their Development of highly successful Year in Industry (YINI) programme.
The team oversees the University’s largest Year in Industry programme, offering vital support to students before, during, and after their placements. Recent innovations, such as the Connections initiative, allow students to connect, share experiences, and form support networks during placements.
Sarah Agate said: “We were honoured to receive a Faculty Award at this year's Learning, Teaching, and Student Experience Awards. Over the past five years, the Year in Industry programme has grown substantially, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of this team. We are committed to supporting our students in achieving their placement goals, and having this dedication recognized has been wonderful”.
Award winner: Dr Yigit Oezcelik, Director of Studies of BSc Economics, won the Individual Award for his pioneering use of digital exit tickets in teaching. His project is titled Harnessing digital exit tickets to advance self-efficacy and student performance and the innovative formative assessment tool has significantly enhanced student learning, offering real-time feedback and allowing for tailored support.
Yigit’s approach has led to “Teacher of the Year” nominations in 2023 and 2024, reflecting the positive impact on student performance.
Yigit said: “I am delighted and honoured to share that I have been awarded a Faculty Learning & Teaching and Student Experience Award 2024. I would like to thank all my colleagues ULMS, students and loved ones for their unwavering support!”
The winners will now showcase their work and compete for the prestigious Sir Alastair Pilkington Award for Teaching Excellence, with the winners receiving an additional £1,000. These awards highlight ULMS staff’s ongoing dedication to improving the student experience and their innovative approach to teaching and learning.