Struan Gray receives the University’s Teaching and Learning Prize 2024
Combining empathy with expertise, this year’s recipient of the Teaching and Learning Prize, Struan Gray, has made a significant impact on students through an approach that emphasises individual growth and critical thinking.
“If that means I have to do things in a new way or make a reasonable exception for an individual, then I try not to be too bound by tradition or habit.”
Struan Gray, Senior Lecturer in Physics
Struan Gray is Senior Lecturer in Physics at the School of Information Technology.
Students praise clear and inspiring teaching style
The prestigious Teaching and Learning Prize 2024 was awarded at this year’s Academic Ceremony on 15 November. The recognition was a welcome surprise for Struan Gray, Senior Lecturer in Physics at the School of Information Technology (ITE).
“I am surprised and delighted. It feels very special to be appreciated this way by my students and colleagues”, says Struan Gray.
The citation from students and colleagues highlights Struan Gray’s comprehensive and deep subject knowledge and his commitment to student learning. Students praise his approachable demeanour, describing him as clear, entertaining, humble and inspiring. They particularly appreciate his ability to encourage critical thinking and questioning, noting his talent for reaching students through engaging examples and lectures.
“He’s even easy to understand when he talks about nuclear physics”, one student remarked.
Teaching physics with heart and humour
Struan Gray describes teaching physics as ‘the basis of everything else’. It offers a perspective that bridges historical scientific achievements with today’s technical challenges. When teaching physics, he takes a genuine interest in the success and well-being of his students.
“I think my students appreciate the fact that I like them and enjoy their company”, Struan Gray explains, adding with a touch of humour, “and that I do my best to help them improve their chances of passing my horrible exams”.
According to this year’s recipient, the key to motivating students is treating them as individuals and taking their concerns seriously. This becomes particularly important when students face the challenges of transitioning to university-level studies, which requires developing new academic thinking and reasoning skills.
Breaking tradition in the classroom
“University-level courses require a different approach compared to secondary upper school, and that can take time to become familiar with”, says Struan Gray. To support students through this transition, he puts emphasis on listening and trying to find solutions, even if it means straying from traditional teaching methods.
“If that means I have to do things in a new way or make a reasonable exception for an individual, then I try not to be too bound by tradition or habit”, Struan Gray says. For him, teaching is not just about conveying knowledge but about the human connections formed in the learning process:
“Feedback from students drives me in my role. I find the social side of learning and teaching very rewarding.”
The supportive environment at Halmstad University has played a crucial role in enabling this student-centred approach.
“At Halmstad University, I have been given a great deal of freedom to teach the way I want to, and I have always been encouraged to try new ideas and concepts,” Struan Gray reflects, “I really appreciate that the University and ITE treat me in the same way I try to treat my students.”
“We are committed to fostering a positive learning environment”
Students and teachers alike can nominate candidates for the Teaching and Learning Prize. This year, 77 nominations were received, with 74 submitted by students. As many as 38 different teachers across all schools were nominated.
“I am delighted that we can celebrate a teacher who has significantly impacted students’ learning and academic outcomes with exceptional expertise and enthusiasm each year. At Halmstad University, we are committed to fostering a positive learning environment that encourages constructive dialogue and supports the academic as well as personal development of our students. Through this award, the University promotes the national advancement of effective teaching practices and student-centred pedagogy in higher education”, says Malin Hallén, Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for education and quality.
Text: Katarina Tran
Photo: Dan Bergmark
Award citation
Struan Gray is a Senior Lecturer in Physics at the School of Information Technology. Struan Gray possesses extensive and deep subject knowledge coupled with a strong commitment to student learning. He interacts well with students, being clear, humorous, humble, and inspiring. Struan Gray is enthusiastic and highly skilled in his teaching methods, encouraging his students to dare to think critically and ask questions. Students attest that he excels at engaging them with interesting examples and lectures. He is even easy to understand when he talks about nuclear physics. Struan Gray is there for his students through thick and thin.
It is evident that Struan Gray has a genuine dedication and loyalty to both his subject and his students. He consistently receives excellent student reviews, which shows that Struan Gray is a great asset to Halmstad University and a deserving recipient of this year’s Teaching and Learning Prize.
The Teaching and Learning Prize
Halmstad University has awarded the Teaching and Learning Prize since 2007. The award goes to a teacher who is particularly successful in developing students' learning. The winner receives a specially designed glass apple, a diploma, and the opportunity to participate in a European conference on teaching and learning in higher education.
Students and staff are invited to nominate one or more candidates. A working group consisting of distinguished teaching staff members is assigned the task of selecting a winner. The group also includes one external member who is experienced in teaching and learning in higher education. The winner is appointed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for education and quality.
