Matthew Turnbull is one of the most understated but effective teachers in the School of Biological Sciences. In the view of his colleagues, he is a champion of best practice in teaching, a leader in teaching development and a superb teacher and postgraduate mentor. He has made major contributions to curriculum design, is the first in line to offer students course advice, and has taken the lead in promoting best practice in learning outcomes and skills development at the University level.
His teaching philosophy is simple – that teaching should be a dialogue rather than a monologue. Students learn best when they are encouraged to be part of the process of building understanding rather than passive recipients.
Matthew is known as a caring, hard-working and well-organised teacher who is quick to experiment with new teaching approaches or mechanisms for engaging better with students. His teaching style remains student-focussed whether in the lecture room, laboratory or out in the field.
