Dermot Shinners-Kennedy, who lectures in UL's college of infomatics and electronics, is this year's winner of the university's award for teaching excellence. The award is given to teachers who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to high-quality teaching.

According to Dr Sarah Miles, UL's recently appointed dean of teaching and learning, the teaching evaluations include an alumni survey, student feedback, detailed class observation and analysis, evidence of reflective teaching and the nominees' own reports of their teaching innovations and activities.

Shinners-Kennedy, she says, offers extra tutorials for "atrisk" students, uses special techniques for problem-solving and encourages students to perform at levels beyond their expectations, she says.

In the current climate with so much emphasis being placed on research, it is more important than ever that outstanding teaching is recognised and rewarded, Miles says.