Xiaohongshu
The Student Choice Awards gives students the opportunity to give back by showing their appreciation for outstanding staff members who have made a difference to their time at UCL. Each year, while we celebrate our winners, we also report on the most valued practices in all nine award categories, highlighting the exceptional learning experience at UCL. Themes arising from the research celebrate staff for their excellent support, supervision, and teaching practices.
Across the 9 award categories, these were some of the most valued practices that were highly cited:
- Effective and proactive student-staff partnerships
- Co-creation
- Student-centred approaches to teaching delivery
- Responsiveness to student feedback
- Dedication to student wellbeing
- Research-led teaching
- Enthusiasm, patience, and positivity
- Consistently clear and timely communication
Best Practice per Category
Active Student Partnership
The award for Active Student Partnership recognises staff who are committed to listening to and working with students and their representatives to improve and change education in their module, programme, or department. This category received 103 nominations.
Nominations favoured staff who:
- Acting on student feedback
- Building genuine collaboration and trust
- Proactive communication and approachability
Amazing Support Staff
The award for Amazing Support Staff thanks staff who are not in teaching roles but still make a huge difference to students’ learning at UCL by going the extra mile. This category received 113 nominations.
Nominations favoured staff who:
- Going above and beyond formal responsibilities
- Leading with empathy and understanding
- Reliability, clarity, and responsiveness
Brilliant Research-Based Education
The award for Brilliant Research-Based Education is for staff who educate students about the latest, cutting-edge knowledge, or who enable taught students to create knowledge by conducting their own research. This category received 68 nominations.
Nominations favoured staff who:
- Bringing research into the classroom
- Encouraging independent research and enquiry
- Offering clear, accessible, and inclusive guidance
Diverse & Inclusive Education
The award for Diverse & Inclusive Education highlights staff members who work to ensure their curriculum or research recognises marginalised scholars and shines a light on diverse perspectives. This category received 23 nominations.
Nominations favoured staff who:
- Amplifying marginalised voices
- Fostering inclusive environments
- Committed advocates
Excellent Personal Tutoring
The Excellent Personal Tutoring award recognises members of staff who are always there to provide students with pastoral support and academic guidance. This category received 143 nominations.
Nominations favoured staff who:
- Leading with empathy and understanding
- Clear guidance, and timely feedback
- Building confidence
Exceptional Feedback
The award for Exceptional Feedback is aimed at staff who provide constructive and useful feedback on students’ assessment and learning., helping students to progress and succeed. This category received 38 nominations.
Nominations favoured staff who:
- Detailed and constructive feedback
- Timely feedback
- Constructive and motivational criticism
Inspiring Teaching Delivery
The award for Inspiring Teaching Delivery recognises staff members who deliver exceptional teaching using innovative and engaging methods to hold students’ interest and help them learn regardless of the circumstances. This category received 251 nominations.
Nominations favoured staff who:
- Infectious enthusiasm for teaching
- Creative and varied teaching methods
- Developing a positive learning environment
Outstanding Research Supervision
The award for Outstanding Research Supervision recognises staff who help postgraduate research students to succeed, balancing providing support and fostering independence. This category received 70 nominations.
Nominations favoured staff who:
- Committed to supportive mentorship
- Insightful commentary on student work
- Encouraging independence and confidence
Sustainable Education
The award for Sustainable Education recognises staff who are leading the way in embedding sustainability into the curriculum and shaping our future climate leaders. This category received 9 nominations.
Nominations favoured staff who:
- Using real-world examples
- Interactive and insightful learning
- Commitment to sustainability leadership
Given Students' Union UCL's deep understanding of the most valued practices as identified by students, we are well-positioned to collaborate with the university in sharing best practices and enhancing the overall student experience.
Please see the full report below.