Syme-Smith, Lorraine

I have worked at the University of Dundee since 2003.

I am Quality and Academic Enhancement lead for the Division of Education and Social Work within the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.  

I am Programme Director for the BA Professional Development, within this role I manage the programme curriculum, support the academic team and administrator, take the lead in liaising with applicants and with Admissions.  I lead on two of the modules and work closely with students undertaking these including their research projects.

I have significant experience in post-compulsory education and the development of lecturer practice.  I played a major role in the development of the TQFE online presentation and was the Programme Convenor with responsibility for the effective completion of the teaching observation component of the course.  I have also worked as a tutor on the PG Certificate in Academic Practice in Higher Education (PGCAPHE) supporting colleagues and external participants undertaking this teaching qualification in higher education.

Past Employment

1996-2005 Senior Lecturer, Curriculum Manager, Depute Head of School Edinburgh’s Telford College

I managed the Computing curriculum and the associated team of lecturers and senior lecturers, also some cross-school projects. I lectured in computer programming and supported staff undertaking Professional Development Awards in Teaching. From 2000-2003 I was a member of Academic Board and from 2002-2003 acted as Depute Head of School.

2003-05 Secondment: Development Manager (Learning and Teaching), Colleges Open Learning Exchange Group (COLEG).

1993 - 95 Course Co-ordinator, Falkirk Women's Technology Centre

1993 - 96 Course Tutor, Programming and Programming Languages. The Open University

1983 - 93 Senior Systems Programmer, Royal Bank Of Scotland, Edinburgh

Nominations and Awards

In 2023: Winner of the Dundee University Student Association Student led teaching award for Accessible Education.

In 2021: Nominated for the Dundee University Student Association Student led teaching award for Best Distance Learning Tutor/Advisor

In 2020: Nominated for the Dundee University Student Association Student led teaching award for Best Distance Learning Tutor

In 2018: Nominated for the Dundee University Student Association Student led teaching award for Innovative Teaching

In 2017: Nominated for the Dundee University Student Association Student led teaching award for Best Student Advisor or Personal Tutor

In 2016: Short-listed for the Dundee University Student Association Student led teaching award for Best Student Advisor or Personal Tutor

In 2015: Short-listed for the Dundee University Student Association Student led teaching award for Best Teacher for Assessment and Feedback

Nominated for the Dundee University Student Association Student led teaching award for Best Student Advisor or Personal Tutor

In 2013: JISC iTech Case Study, Highly Commended: Connecting with TQFE Distance Learners through online tutorials

The TQFE programme won the following awards

College of Arts and Social Sciences Award for Innovative Teaching (for TQFE-Tutor: an integrated tutoring communications system for the TQFE programme)

University of Dundee Honorary Graduates' Award for Innovation in Teaching (also for TQFE-Tutor)

Other Qualifications

Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)

University Of Stirling, Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Education with TQ(FE)

University Of Edinburgh, Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Professional Studies 

I am a member of the Core Team at Oriam parkrun and Inverleith junior parkrun.

Conference presentations and published case studies

Syme-Smith, L., McEwan-Short, J., and Robertson, C. (2023) ‘Academy without walls': Work-integrated learning in community and professional settings. Advance HE Employability Symposium 2023: Lighting the Labyrinth: Enhancing Student Success through the 3Es 

Syme-Smith, L. (2022) PIPalong - Informal online meetings as support for students on a research module. University of Dundee Centre for Technology and Innovation in Learning: Focus On October 2022

Syme-Smith, L. (2022) PIPalong - Informal online meetings as support for students on a research module. Alt ELESIG Scotland May 2022

Syme-Smith, L. (2021) Steps for Induction. University of Derby Online Learning Summit (15th June 2021)

Syme-Smith, L (2017) Professional teaching qualifications: Motivational factors affecting success. Journal of Vocational Education and Training 12th International Conference (7th - 9th July 2017).

Syme-Smith, L (2014) JISC iTech Case Study, Using note-taking software to create inclusive and flexible learning resources

Syme-Smith, L (2013) JISC iTech Case Study, Connecting with TQFE Distance Learners through online tutorials

Syme-Smith, L (2013) Poster presentation entitled Building Participation: The use of web-conferencing for flexible learning at HEA Flexible Learning Conference, University of Westminster Can we do it? Yes we can! Recognising, promoting and developing flexible learning in higher education.

Syme-Smith, L., Boyle, L. and Golden, L. (2012) Feedback or Interference: Are lecturers' perceptions of their language used in feedback consistent with the actual language used? British Educational Research Association (BERA 2012)