Ulla Dinger receives Faculty of Science’s 2022 Pedagogical Award
Her incredible dedication and drive to develop undergraduate education at the Department of Mathematical Sciences make Ulla Dinger one of a kind. She is now being rewarded for her pedagogical efforts.
How does it feel to receive the faculty’s 2022 Pedagogical Award?
“Fantastic and it is an honour!”
You have worked extensively with developing courses and programmes. Can you share some tips?
“It’s hard to give general tips, but I believe that dedication is most important of all. It is never as good or as fun to do things half-heartedly. And development work is rarely done alone. The most successful projects I’ve done are the ones with enjoyable and rewarding collaborations. So, my tip is to have good partners or find someone who can serve as a sounding board.”
When is teaching the most fun?
“When discussions with students are at their best, and when I get to share in their experience of new insights.”
What is happening this autumn?
“I’m going to continue working as programme coordinator for the foundation year, where I’ll also teach maths courses. A colleague and I are course coordinators for the graduate project course in mathematics/mathematical statistics, which is a big course because it is for students from both the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers. The projects are done in the spring, but planning has already started. I will also continue working to implement and develop the department’s mentorship programme for new teachers and new doctoral students and teaching assistants. And I am part of the Academic Appointments Board, where there is always something happening, of course.”
The Faculty of Science’s Pedagogical Award
Ulla Dinger has been deeply involved in the department's undergraduate education during her long tenure at the Department of Mathematical Sciences. For several years, she was both the education officer and the programme manager for the Mathematics Programme and subsequently for the Basic Science Year.
Ulla has also been a driving force in course development. Many years ago, she developed the introductory course in the Mathematics programme into a problem-based format. The course is often highlighted by students as an important, motivating and fun course where the format strongly contributes to their early development as mathematicians. She has also been an examiner for over twenty years on an advanced level analytics course which is a key course for advanced level study. Here she has built on the idea of the importance of students being trained to communicate mathematics. She has also done a great deal of work in developing the mathematics courses in the foundation year and pioneered the introduction of partially digital examinations.
In conclusion, no one can match Ulla in terms of commitment to the development of the content, form and quality of undergraduate education at the Department of Mathematical Sciences
The Pedagogical Award recognises excellence in teaching. The award is in the form of a grant to the department of SEK 250,000 for appreciated and successful teaching. It can be awarded to one person or be shared among multiple recipients. The award ceremony will take place on November 17.