Todd Weir nominated for the Best Practice Award 2026

Professor Todd Weir has been nominated for the University of Groningen’s 2026 Best Practice Award in Teaching and Learning (BPA), with the best practice The creative use of network in the course: 'Creative Heritage: Practices, Communities and Institutions', which is a core module in the MA Heritage and Religion. The BPA Ceremony is planned to be the opening event of the Education Festival, and will take place on the 23rd of March.

In the course, guest speakers and excursions are used to help students orient themselves within the professional field. Because this approach facilitates contact with both local stakeholders and experts from the Netherlands and abroad, it is a good example of the meeting of global and local. In addition, this method bridges the gap between theory and practice, particularly through the development of a plan focused on local heritage in Groningen. In this way, students are challenged to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical case study. As such, the creative use that the instructor, Professor Todd Weir, makes of his network provides a valuable opportunity for students: on the one hand, by offering insight into different disciplines of the heritage sector, and on the other, by allowing them to gain hands-on experience at the local level.

About the Best Practice Award

The BPA is an annual celebration of best teaching practices at the University of Groningen (UG). The UG Best Practice in Teaching and Learning Award recognizes courses that have implemented pedagogical practices or approaches and learning practices that relate to the UG's educational aims.

Eleven faculties have nominated their best practices of the highest quality. The Best Practice Award Ceremony is planned to be the opening event of the Education Festival. It will take place on the 23rd of March, 2026. All nominated teams are invited to attend the ceremony during which the Rector Magnificus will award the winners.