Measuring impact of a national award scheme: the case of the national teaching fellowship scheme.

Recognition of the achievements of individual scholars in learning and teaching is the focus of a number of national award schemes. Probably the most established are the Carnegie Awards in the USA and the 'Triple M' awards in Canada. Other national awards include Australia (from 2006), England and Northern Ireland (from 2000), New Zealand and Sweden. While there are differences between these schemes in individual countries, there is also considerable overlap, e.g. criteria for assessment that consider impact on learners, colleagues, reflective practice and evidence of commitment to scholarly inquiry in learning and teaching. See Appendix 1 for outline of different national schemes. Perhaps the most telling and important evidence of overlap is the creation of a multinational scholars forum involving national award winners. To date this group has met twice: (2003 (USA) and 2005 (Canada) with a third meeting linked to the HE Academy annual conference 2006 in the UK. The dialogue amongst these national scholars/fellows in respect on learning and teaching has involved a consideration of their impact within nations, the nature of quality enhancement, and the first steps towards an international approach to learning and teaching.