Tim Bell, senior lecturer and Head of Department of Computer Science, has been recognised for his sustained excellence in teaching with one of the first ever Ako Aotearoa National Tertiary Teaching Excellence awards at a ceremony in Wellington in 2002. A key focus of the awards is to identify and reward teaching practices that are student-focused and committed to promoting effective learning. They are open to teachers from across the entire tertiary education sector.
Dr Bell is not daunted by the challenge of teaching complex material. The "Computer Science Unplugged project" is an example of Tim’s innovative approach to developing novel teaching methods. He teaches 'real' computer science principles through trying to avoid the distraction of technology when teaching non-technical audiences by introducing thought-provoking and usually humorous diversions in lectures.
Tim has been previously recognised as a recipient of the 1995 Science Communicator Merit Award and the 1999 Science Communicator Award. He has also previously received a University of Canterbury Teaching Award.
A colleague states: "What makes Tim rise above every teacher I have ever encountered are his personal values and qualities. He knows who he is and why he is teaching. Tim has a deep desire for his students to not only understand the material but to love the learning of it as much as he loves the teaching."
