The IMA is delighted to announce, Professor Chris Sangwin of the University of Edinburgh as the winner of the 2023 John Blake University Teaching Medal.
The John Blake University Teaching Medal, introduced in 2020, is awarded to an individual in recognition of their significant and sustained contribution to the teaching of mathematical sciences at university level.
Professor Sangwin is Professor of Technology Enhanced Science Education in the School of Mathematics, University of Edinburgh. He previously worked in the Mathematics Education Centre of Loughborough University, the University of Birmingham and the UK Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research (MSOR) Network. He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2006. He is known internationally for his work on Computer Aided Assessment, including the development of the mathematics e-assessment system, STACK; System for Teaching and Assessment using a Computer-algebra Kernal. STACK is now widely used in universities across the UK and internationally.
STACK saw a significant increase in use during the COVID-19 pandemic, as mathematicians urgently needed a way to support students studying remotely. STACK is currently supporting the learning of a diverse body of students over 1500 sites across six continents and has been translated into over 20 languages. It is used in universities, by NGOs in developing countries, in schools and commercially.
Chris’s work is grounded in research and scholarship. In developing STACK, Chris has thought deeply about the nature of teaching, learning and assessment in mathematics, often referring to historical teaching texts and basing his thinking firmly in the educational literature. He is the author of a number of books, including ‘Computer Aided Assessment of Mathematics’ and the popular science book, ‘How Round is Your Circle’, which illustrates and investigates many links between mathematics and engineering using physical models.
It is a testament to John Blake’s legacy that he, as the then Director of the MSOR Network, appointed Chris to the network in 2000 as a Research Fellow, with a remit to research and promote effective teaching of higher education mathematics within the UK.
Professor Sangwin is an inspiring teacher and an internationally recognised leader in the field of mathematics assessment, and in particular computer-based assessment. He has had significant influence on mathematics teaching and learning at many universities within the UK and overseas. His work has inspired and enhanced the learning of tens of thousands of students across the world.
For this reason, he is a worthy winner of the 2023 John Blake University Teaching Medal.
