Syme-Smith, Lorraine

I have worked at the University of Dundee since 2003.

I work mainly on the BA Professional Development which is a professional development award for those currently in employment. I have recently taken on the role of Convener for this programme within the discipline of Community Education.  I also tutor on a couple of the modules and supervise small research projects.

I am a tutor on the PG Certificate in Academic Practice in Higher Education supporting colleagues and external participants undertaking this teaching qualification in higher education.

I am supporting current TQFE students to complete their qualification.

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 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 has 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

University Of Stirling, Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Education with TQ(FE)
University Of Edinburgh, Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Professional Studies 

Outside of work I am a member of the Core Team at Inverleith Junior parkrun.

Conference presentations and published case studies

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)