Comedy in the Classroom - FRSA recognised for outstanding teaching

Dr Gill Seyfang FRSA has been recognised for her exceptional teaching and has been named a National Teaching Fellow by the Higher Education Academy (HEA). The prestigious title is the highest individual recognition for excellence in teaching in Higher Education.

Dr Gill Seyfang is a Reader in Sustainable Consumption at the University of East Anglia. She heads a programme of world-leading research on 'grassroots innovations' for sustainability and draws on this to shape her transformative teaching on sustainable development. 

Dr Seyfang is best-known for using performing arts pedagogies and 'Theoretical Theatre' to portray different concepts or theories, as characters who interact with each other. This is an engaging teaching tool for active learning about sustainability. The idea has been taken up in other disciplines, institutions and countries worldwide. It is transforming teaching in sustainable development. 

In supporting her nomination, UEA Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Neil Ward said: “Gill’s work has helped give force and momentum to innovative pedagogy in what is one of UEA’s most prominent schools.” 

Dr Seyfang said: “Using comedy and theatre helps students to make an emotional connection with complex material, and results in much deeper learning. It breaks down barriers in the classroom too, and encourages everyone to participate more actively.” 

HEA Chief Executive, Professor Stephanie Marshall, said, “A National Teaching Fellowship is the most prestigious individual award for excellence in teaching in higher education. These awards represent a fantastic achievement by all 55 new NTFs. I am sure the whole sector joins me in applauding them in their success. The new NTFs represent some of the very best teaching in higher education and I am sure they will inspire others as we share their innovative practice and ideas across the sector. The UK is justifiably proud of its higher education sector and its reputation is enhanced by the examples of excellent teaching highlighted by these awards.” 

For more information, please see www.comedyintheclassroom.org