Ms Terry Finnigan

National Teaching Fellow 2010 Terry is motivated by her sense of social justice and entitlement for students from diverse backgrounds, at different stages of their educational journey, to achieve at the highest level. "Without question Terry is a most inspiring teacher and trainer; she is highly creative and original in generating ideas. Her teaching is inclusive, sensitive and places student learning needs right at the heart of her work." (Tutor, UAL) Terry has contributed extensively to the student experience at the university since her appointment in 2002. She has done so through work in study support, with the Centre for Learning in Practice CETL, through her own research and in her current role as Head of Widening Participation at London College of Fashion. She has championed student voices, and ensured that they are heard and inform UAL's work, and she has furthered the institutions commitment to working with students in strategy development and decision-making. She has been generous in her support of colleagues; enthusiastically helping others develop their teaching practice and undertake pedagogic research. Evidencing her excellence and contribution are two key projects that Terry has worked diligently to see to fruition. Visual Directions is an exciting and innovative website for two key practices, reflective writing and sketchbooks. This online resource includes student and staff perspectives on their practice captured on video presented in a dynamic and stimulating fashion that engages students in thinking about learning in Art and Design. This website is accessed by many students at the university and by Individuals from over 68 countries. 'Tell Us About It' is a project Terry led involving academically successful students from diverse backgrounds evaluating their learning experience. Many did this in a visual way and produced paintings, sketchbooks, musical scores, DVDs, artefacts. These are exhibited across the university and also used in staff and student workshops around diversity and student learning. She has given presentations about this work to colleagues at regional, national and international events and there is much interest and excitement in the power of the visual to convey meaning and impact and bring about changes. Terry is all about engagement.