Mr Simon Yerbury Sweeney

National Teaching Fellow 2006 Institution at the time of award: York St John University Simon Sweeney is currently Lecturer in International Business and International Political Economy at the University of York and Senior Lecturer International Business and Governance, at Sheffield Hallam University. Prior to this he was Senior Lecturer in International Business and Governance Sheffield Hallam University and Head of Programme for the MA in International Studies and Senior Lecturer in European Integration & Management Studies at York St John University College. He says: "My work has always been informed by multidisciplinary academic interests and experience that extends across politics, international relations, management studies, English language teaching and modern foreign languages. At the heart of this is the international dimension, which is vital to enhancing learners' understanding of difference, and promoting diversity and respect." Students enjoy a good story, so narrative is a hallmark of his teaching, especially in the context of international experience and the interface with other cultures. Simon draws on a pool of experience from working and travelling in over 50 countries in four continents. I frequently ask overseas students to talk about their experiences, share impressions with other learners, and contribute directly to seminar input. I also tell stories based on subject literature for example, a description of hamburger production by a multinational meat packer vividly describes differences in health and safety legislation between Europe and America. Using gesture adds to the performance of narrative telling. I want students to stay awake, be entertained, and learn." His work on globalisation and international citizenship in the School of Management, Community and Communication culminated in his recent book Europe, the State and Globalisation. He has also written over 20 books in the field of English language teaching and business communication. A former colleague comments: "Simon is able to address a wide variety of students from 18- year-old Chinese students through to senior managers of significant businesses and put them at their ease. He often disappears to classes with posters, tapes, films and a variety of other devices that create and enhance an exciting learning environment." Simon has developed far-reaching institutional links across several continents, and last year was appointed to the UK Socrates Council committee of 15 Bologna Promoters. He is also doing PhD research in the field of European Security and Defence Policy at the University of Leeds.