Laura Fagan completed the Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning program at Maynooth University from February to May 2015. She showed a keen interest in learning about student learning and independently enrolled in the program. During the program, Laura demonstrated excellent communication skills and was always organized and punctual. She received positive feedback from observing her teaching demonstrations. Laura also volunteered to help with a research project on student retention by administering questionnaires, which she carried out efficiently and with a welcoming approach. The reference letter writer recommends Laura for any teaching or education positions.

1.
Maynooth University Centre for Teaching and Learning
Ionad Muinteoireacht Agus Foghlaim Ollscoil Mhá Nuad
Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Centre for Teaching and Learning,
Ollscoil Mhá Nuad, Ollscoil Mhá Nuad, Maigh Nuad, Co. Chill Dara, Éire.
T +353 1 708 6770 Ectl@nuim.ie W www.maynoothuniversity.ie/centre-teaching-and-learning
1st July 2015
Reference for Ms Laura Fagan
Laura Fagan completed the Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning at Maynooth
University from February 2015 to May 2015. This module is designed specifically for tutors
and demonstrators to help them to enhance their knowledge and understanding of a range
of topics relating to learning and teaching in higher education. Laura successfully passed
the module as confirmed in June 2015.
During her time as a participant on this programme, Laura was always a pleasant,
friendly, enthusiastic and conscientious member of the group who showed a keen interest
in learning more about ways to support and promote student learning. Moreover, although it
is compulsory in some academic departments at Maynooth University for tutors and
demonstrators to undertake this module, Laura independently contacted me at the start of
the semester to enquire if it would be possible for her to participate in the course. These
actions, it may be suggested, further underline Laura’s genuine interest in student learning
and teaching, and her commitment to developing her teaching practice.
Throughout the duration of the course, Laura demonstrated excellent
communication skills. She was able to contribute to group discussions, listen carefully to
the viewpoints of others with consideration, and comment thoughtfully on ideas proposed
by her peers. Laura has a very patient and calm demeanour which would be of real benefit
in any teaching role that she might undertake.
Laura was always highly organised and also punctual to all sessions. Furthermore,
on the rare occasion when Laura was unable to attend one of the sessions due to being
asked by the Biology Department at the last minute if she could provide cover for another
demonstrator, Laura ensured that she checked with me first to see if this would be possible;
a courtesy which was greatly appreciated. Following this unavoidable absence from the
session, Laura diligently contacted me again to find out about the topics that had been
explored in the session.
As part of her assessment for this module, Laura completed a teaching observation
within the Biology Department. The observer feedback on Laura’s teaching in her role as a
demonstrator was extremely positive.
Another notable event from this year was that Laura was one of only three people
from a group of 40 tutors and demonstrators who volunteered to help administer
questionnaires and collect data from first year undergraduates as part of a research project
on student retention and engagement conducted by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.
All of the research project team commented on Laura’s willingness to help with the data
collection, her welcoming and encouraging approach when meeting and interacting with
students, and the efficiency with which she carried out the tasks entrusted to her. Indeed,
Laura was a tremendous asset to the project team, and the fact that she offered her own
time to assist with the project is testament to Laura’s cooperative and supportive nature.

2.
Maynooth University Centre for Teaching and Learning
Ionad Muinteoireacht Agus Foghlaim Ollscoil Mhá Nuad
Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Centre for Teaching and Learning,
Ollscoil Mhá Nuad, Ollscoil Mhá Nuad, Maigh Nuad, Co. Chill Dara, Éire.
T +353 1 708 6770 Ectl@nuim.ie W www.maynoothuniversity.ie/centre-teaching-and-learning
I would have no hesitation whatsoever in supporting Laura’s application for any
teaching or education-related posts and feel that her professionalism, together with her
helpful and considerate manner, would be an advantage when working with students of any
age, level or ability.
I would be happy to provide further information in addition to this reference for
Laura. Please do not hesitate to contact me should this be required. My email address is
catherine.m.mahon@nuim.ie; or alternatively, I can be contacted by telephone on: 01 708
6287.
Dr Catherine Mahon
Educational Development Officer
Programme Co-ordinator, Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning