Thomas Munther awarded Halmstad University’s Teaching and Learning Prize 2025
Thomas Munther, Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, has been awarded Halmstad University’s Teaching and Learning Prize 2025 for his genuine commitment and ability to make complex concepts understandable. The prize is awarded annually to a teacher who has demonstrated outstanding pedagogical skill and the ability to inspire students.
“I believe a good teacher should enjoy teaching and be passionate about their subject. You need to find different ways to explain things.”
Thomas Munther, recipient of the Teaching and Learning Prize 2025
This year’s recipient of the Teaching and Learning Prize, Thomas Munther, is a Lecturer in Electrical Engineering and, according to the citation, has a genuine interest in his subject and an unwavering commitment.
Patience and extra support
The award citation highlights Thomas Munther’s ability to foster a sense of security and motivation among his students. With humour, interactive questions and real-world examples, he sparks curiosity and encourages reflection. Students describe how he patiently explains complex concepts repeatedly until everyone understands, and how he willingly stays beyond scheduled hours when needed.
“Students need varying amounts of time to absorb new material. Sometimes a lecture or lab doesn’t end at five o’clock. You might need to stay a bit longer, and I’m happy to give extra time to those who have questions”, says Thomas Munther.
He also emphasises the importance of creating an environment where students feel safe to ask any question.
“I hope students feel confident enough to ask ‘silly’ questions. In a lecture, those kinds of questions can lead to a detour that makes the same session quite different from one year to the next”, says Thomas Munther.
Continuous development
Thomas Munther works continuously to improve his courses through small, thoughtful changes each year. It can be by updating lab assignments, clarifying instructions or finding new ways to explain theoretical content.
“I believe a good teacher should enjoy teaching and be passionate about their subject. You need to find different ways to explain things”, Thomas Munther says.
He is also clear about his expectations of his students and often reminds them that anyone can succeed, provided they invest enough time.
A pleasant surprise
Thomas Munther was surprised to learn he had received the award.
“It was quite unexpected. I hadn’t given it any thought. But of course, it’s lovely to know that some students feel you’re doing a good job”, says Thomas Munter.
This year’s Teaching and Learning Prize was presented at the University internal conference on teaching and learning in higher education earlier today. The conference is held every other year with the aim of discussing and strengthening the University’s higher education pedagogical work. This year’s conference theme was collegial pedagogical development, student agency and AI in education.
”It feels very rewarding to recognise a teacher who, with strong subject knowledge and a genuine joy in teaching, has made a clear impact on students’ learning. At Halmstad University, we value teachers who combine deep knowledge with pedagogical commitment and create learning environments where students can grow. Through this prize, we highlight the importance of teaching driven by both competence and passion, which contributes to developing higher education pedagogy nationally,” says Malin Hallén, Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for education and quality.
Text and photo: Anna-Frida Agardson
Award citation
Thomas Munther is a Lecturer in Electrical Engineering with a genuine passion for his subject and tireless dedication to teaching. Through humour, interactive questions and real-life connections, he supports and encourages student learning. Students describe how he sparks their curiosity and inspires thoughtful reflection.
With patience and a willingness to offer extra support – whether through additional lab sessions or extended time for questions – Thomas Munther adapts his teaching to meet the diverse needs of his students. They testify to his ability to explain complex concepts repeatedly until everyone understands, creating a sense of security and motivation not just to pass the course, but to truly master the material. By integrating authentic examples and personal experience, he enhances learning and makes his courses memorable.
As a committed colleague in complex fields such as power engineering, Thomas Munther contributes to the development of subject-specific pedagogy in electrical engineering at Halmstad University, particularly within the School of Information Technology, where he is based. He is an enthusiastic educator who promotes high-quality university teaching by focusing on student learning. His long-term impact on students’ interest in engineering makes him a highly deserving recipient of Halmstad University’s Teaching and Learning Prize 2025.
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.
