Markus Lahikainen and Tiina Ihalainen recognised for excellence in teaching and pedagogical development
Tampere University’s Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) grants the Good Teaching and Teaching Developer Award annually. The purpose of the award is to highlight the exceptional quality of teaching and pedagogical development at Tampere University. In 2024, the award sought to especially recognise teaching that accommodates diverse students, promotes accessibility, adopts an instructional approach, facilitates group cohesion among students, and supports integration.
The award is worth €4,000, which the recipients can use to cover costs related to pedagogical development.
Praise for effectively responding to student feedback
The 2024 Good Teaching and Teaching Developer Award was granted to two members of the teaching staff at Tampere University: University Instructor Markus Lahikainen from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, and University Lecturer in Logopedics Tiina Ihalainen from the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Markus Lahikainen was praised for accommodating different learning styles and providing students with versatile learning materials. He actively responds to student feedback and continuously develops his teaching and courses based on this feedback. His easy-going presence and motivating teaching style foster an open atmosphere in class, making it easy for students to ask questions.
Lahikainen also encourages assistants to promote an open and safe atmosphere and equality among students. In his role as an academic tutor, he helps students integrate into the campus community and breaks down barriers between students and staff.
Tiina Ihalainen was praised for being a supportive and inspirational teacher who accommodates neurodiversity, students’ different circumstances and academic progress. She promotes accessible learning and develops her teaching and courses in response to student feedback. She ensures her courses are clearly scheduled and that students are aware of the expected learning outcomes. Her teaching is clear and predictable, showcasing her practical work experience.
Honourable mention for understanding different student backgrounds
In addition to the two awards, one honourable mention was granted to University Instructor Hanna-Marika Mitrunen from the Faculty of Education and Culture. She teaches Finnish as a second language and Finnish as a foreign language in Language Centre. Mitrunen was commended for her in-depth understanding of students’ different backgrounds, choices and circumstances. She tailors her teaching to accommodate diverse learners and creates a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to engage in open dialogue. In addition, Mitrunen promotes accessibility from a broad perspective and is a dedicated mentor for her students.
The recipients were announced at the Pedagogy seminar on 2 December. After the opening words by Vice Presidents for Education Marja Sutela (Tampere University) and Katja Komulainen (Tampere University of Applied Sciences), the audience was treated to an improvised performance by students in the Degree Programme in Theatre Arts at Tampere University.
The Pedagogy Seminar featured timely and interesting presentations from the recipients of the Good Teaching and Teaching Developer Award and the TAMK Pedagogical Act of the Year Award. TAMK's award was presented earlier this year.
