Dr Lara Alcock, Senior Lecturer in the Maths Education Centre, has been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowships by the Higher Education Academy.

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) supports individual professional development and celebrates outstanding achievement in teaching and learning.

Awarded by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the Fellowships are open to staff whose teaching or support roles enhance the student learning experience at institutions in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

A total of 50 awards are presented nationally and Dr Alcock is the second academic at the University to be given a Fellowship in the last two years.

Dr Alcock’s research investigates undergraduate mathematical learning, differences between student and expert thinking, and the effectiveness of educational interventions.  Her main interest is in the challenges students encounter during the transition from calculation-based to proof-based mathematics.

In her teaching role, she helps students to develop not only content knowledge, but also logical thinking and mathematical study skills. Her experience of listening to individual students during interview-based studies allows her to write in a voice that is accessible to students, helping them to understand what their lecturers expect and what they can do to have a successful and enjoyable learning experience.

Speaking about the Fellowship, Dr Alcock said: “I am delighted to be awarded a National Teaching Fellowship, especially as the Mathematics Education Centre now holds three. My own contribution primarily involves translating the results of research in undergraduate mathematics education into accessible accounts for those who can use the information in their day-to-day lives: mathematicians and students. 

“I am particularly proud of my recent research-based books How to Study for a Mathematics Degree and How to Think about Analysis, both of which I hope take some of the mystery out of making the transition to undergraduate mathematics.”

Professor Morag Bell, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Teaching at Loughborough University, added: “Lara is an outstanding teacher and researcher who is committed to providing students with a challenging and enjoyable learning experience.  She is energetic and innovative with a growing international reputation for the quality of her work.

“Lara provides a model of the excellence in teaching and learning that is explicit in our University Strategy. We are delighted that her exceptional qualities and experience have been recognised with this prestigious award.”

Dr Alcock will be presented with her National Teaching Fellowship at an awards ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral in October.