Awards
In 2012, I was a Dearing Award winner that, since 1999, recognises the outstanding achievements of University of Nottingham staff in enhancing the student learning experience. Since its inception, over 150 members of staff from a range of different staff groups have received an award, many of whom have been nominated by the students they teach and support. A Dearing Award is highly valued within the University of Nottingham and acknowledges the world-class input of staff in creating a student learning environment which is nurturing on the one hand, but, on the other, is challenging, creative and innovative.
Both Andreas Bieler and myself were jointly awarded the 2012/13 British International Studies Association (BISA)-Higher Education Academy (HEA) Award for Excellence in Teaching International Studies linked to our co-taught MA module Theories & Concepts in International Relations (see below).
In making the award, the BISA Teaching and Learning Committee wrote:
For their range of interventions and innovative teaching practices on their MA module on IR theory and concepts, Professor Bieler and Dr Morton are worthy recipients of the award for teaching excellence. They have clearly demonstrated the ability and means to teach a difficult subject well and their suite of innovations, including the use of film, music, mini-roundtables, poetry competitions and online resources and tools, provides ample and multifaceted opportunities for their students to engage with the subject and to deepen their learning and appreciation. They are commended in particular for their use of everyday objects as a way into complex theories and their development of a subject-specific pedagogical approach, as well as their work to disseminate their teaching practice through blogs and publication.
Teaching
In 2008, I was a Guest Professor on the Mexico Solidarity Network Study Abroad Program. This was a six week study abroad program based in Mexico (San Cristóbal, Chiapas and Mexico City) teaching on ‘Mexican Social Movements—Theory and Practice’, focused on indigenous and urban social movements in Mexico, namely the Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional (EZLN) and the Frente Popular Francisco Villa Independiente (FPFV-I).
My current teaching at the University of Nottingham covers: