Congratulations Ramin Baghai, Teacher of the Year 2020 (on BSc level)

The prestigious Teacher of the Year Award 2020 goes to Ramin Baghai! Knowing that it is the students who have voted makes him even happier and more grateful.

Learning and teaching are key words to both awardees. That is also reflected in the motivations by SASSE's Education Committee where Ramin Baghai's understanding of his students needs and learning process is mentioned.

Ramin Baghai is the Teacher of the Year 2020 on BSc level. He was very surprised and felt it was an extremely gratifying experience to receive the award. He explains why:

“The bachelor’s course I taught in the spring (Finance 2) presents unique challenges because all bachelor's students at SSE have to take it, and not everyone loves financial economics as much as I do. In fact, I have always been convinced that teaching a course like that is the best way never to receive a teaching award. I am particularly happy about it because it is awarded directly by the students. Ultimately, all of our work as professors is aimed at furthering our students’ learning and development; knowing that students appreciate it feels great.”

Asked whether he has any secret tips and tricks for effective teaching, Ramin says that he doesn’t believe that there is a secret recipe that’s generally applicable. He mentions that good preparation, enthusiasm, and some humour are probably useful tools​. When he taught the course this spring it was a tough start to the semester for both students and professors, forcing education to be moved online. He wanted to do his best for things to run as smoothly as possible, given the circumstances, and for the course to work reasonably well online.

“Listening to students, their concerns and feedback, was very important. It is great to know that my efforts were noticed and appreciated”, says Ramin Baghai.