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Lee Fawcett

Lee Fawcett has been a Lecturer in Statistics at Newcastle University since 2006. He has trialled various innovations to promote active student learning to both Mathematics undergraduates and subject non-specialists. He contributes to the pedagogic literature, and promotes Applied Statistics through his role as the Royal Statistical Society William Guy Lecturer.
Year
2019
Institution
Newcastle University
Job Title
Lecturer in Statistics

Statistics education is one of Lee's primary research interests, and he is a keen advocate of active learning in the field. In particular, he has trialled the use of web-based apps in the Statistics classroom to support research-informed learning and teaching. He has adopted a case-based approach to learning and teaching Statistics; and he has helped to develop computer-based tests for both summative and formative assessment purposes. His teaching innovations have always been properly evaluated, and published in the pedagogic literature. His own students have been shown to benefit from these innovations, through increased student engagement and participation in classroom activities, and improved student attainment. His practices have been adopted by colleagues at Newcastle, and by educators and collaborators at other universities and institutions in the UK and overseas.

Lee is a passionate promoter of statistical literacy both within the Higher Education sector and in organisations external to this sector, including schools and industry. In particular, through his recent appointment to the role of Royal Statistical Society (RSS) William Guy Lecturer, Lee tours the UK giving talks to school children, teachers and the wider general public who have an interest in Statistics and its applications. He also provides Statistics workshops for school teachers and practitioners from a range of disciplines who use Statistics in their own professions.

Lee has fifteen years’ experience of teaching Statistics at university. He is enthusiastic about teaching Statistics to all students, but has shown particular passion in the development of his personal teaching practice for courses aimed at subject non-specialists. Early in his career he was awarded a Vice Chancellor’s Teaching Award in recognition of his efforts in this area. He actively engages with many forms of continuing professional development, including departmental and institutional initiatives, but also events run by external organisations such as the RSS. He has been invited to speak about his teaching innovations and practice at several high-level, international events, but his favourite activities include Statistics outreach events for children at local schools and colleges.

Advance HE recognises there are different views and approaches to teaching and learning, as such we encourage sharing of practice, without advocating or prescribing specific approaches. NTF and CATE awards recognise teaching excellence in a particular context. The profiles featured are self-submitted by award winners.