Edinburgh University Students’ Association’s Student-Led Teaching Awards are back to recognise outstanding members of learning and support staff. After a challenging year for everyone, we’re celebrating our worthy nominees by shouting about their successes across our digital platforms. 

What is your full name? 

Gwyneth Scholefield 

What is your job title? 

Teaching Assistant 

What school or service do you work in? 

Business School 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your role. 

I have worked as a TA since September 2019 working with 1st Year students studying Global Challenges for Business. I have very much enjoyed getting to know the students and working with Professor Sarah Ivory. Matthis Hervieux, the course secretary’s, support has been invaluable. Prior to joining the university, I was a Director at PwC and have worked in Hong Kong, New York, and Brussels after joining PwC in the UK. This course has given me the opportunity to share some of my PwC experience with the students and to learn more about the ongoing challenges faced by business.  

What does it mean to you to have been nominated for a Teaching Award this year? 

I feel like I have already won as I consider it to be an honour that the students I worked with have nominated me. Thanks so much to them for taking the time. It means the world to me that you have enjoyed our sessions together.   

What’s your favourite part of your role and working with students? 

Getting to know the students and encouraging them to be confident critical thinkers as they embark on their university careers. 

How have you adapted your approach to teaching and supporting students under the Hybrid Model this year? 

I try to encourage conversation and discussion no matter if online or in person. My aim is for the group to be comfortable they can ask anything related to the subject and there is no such thing as a silly question or observation. 

What’s been the biggest challenge in your role this year? 

Like most of us it has been WiFi and how to ensure that WiFi issues do not impact too much on the student experience. 

What would you say to the student(s) who nominated you, or students who are considering submitting a nomination for a staff member who has had an impact on them? 

Wow I am so chuffed you enjoyed your sessions with me! Thank you so much for taking the time to nominate me. I feel like I have won already.   

To find out more about the Teaching Awards and browse nomination categories, please visit the Students’ Association’s website.