On 13 December 2006, the social scientist and biologist Prof. Dr Smilla Ebeling and the biologist Dr Thomas Glatzel were presented with the “Award for Good Teaching” by the Vice-President for Studies and Teaching, Prof. Dr Karen Ellwanger, for outstanding teaching in the 2005/06 academic year. Two second prizes went to the economists Prof. Dr Michael Mohe and Dr Thomas Beschorner. In addition, the education researchers Prof. Dr Astrid Kaiser and Dr Silke Pfeiffer were honoured for being responsible for the best module of the 2005/06 academic year. In addition to prize money of 1,000 euros for the two first prizes, all prize-winners received earmarked staffing funds for teaching.

Ellwanger explained that the quality of study programmes and teaching is a decisive criterion for universities to hold their own in national and international comparisons. The award recognises the efforts of teaching staff to continuously improve their courses.

The award is decided by a jury comprising equal numbers of professors and students.

The prize winners:
1st prize: Dr Thomas Glatzel
Course: “Advanced Marine Biology Field Trip to the Red Sea 2006”
Jury’s reasoning: The practical focus complemented by intercultural encounters.

1st prize: Prof. Dr Smilla Ebeling
Course: “From the Prisoners of Gender to the Five Genders – 20 Years of Feminist Critique of Biology”
Jury’s statement: The transparent and reflective structure of the seminar, which facilitates discovery-based learning.

2nd prize: Prof. Dr Michael Mohe
Course: “Business Management 3 – Change and Innovation”
Jury’s statement: The diversity of media and teaching methods used, and the integrated practice of key competences.

2nd prize: Dr Thomas Beschorner
Course: “Consulting Academy in Business Ethics: Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Citizenship”
Jury’s reasoning: The networking with other universities and various companies.

Module Prize: Prof. Dr Astrid Kaiser and Dr Silke Pfeiffer (co-ordinators)
Module: “Key Issues in General Studies”
Jury’s reasoning: The professional creation of a multimedia learning environment and the use of innovative types of examination.