Are CETLs a waste or a wonder? 2

The Times Higher has done academics a disservice by misreporting a study by Pat Young of the University of the West of England.

The investigation is not, and was never intended to be, an evaluation of Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. It looks at aspects of recognition and reward for teaching in higher education. Funded by the Higher Education Academy Health Sciences and Practice Subject Centre, it analyses a range of practices in 20 CETLs related to health and social care. It concludes that we need co-ordinated systems and standards to acknowledge and reward good teaching.

Some CETLs are leading the way, with the HEA's full support, in developing more effective recognition and reward policies. The role of the HEA and CETLs is to enhance teaching's status in higher education and to work with universities and colleges to ensure that it is recognised equally with other aspects of academic work.

Paul Ramsden
Chief executive
Higher Education Academy

Catherine Geissler
Director, Higher Education Academy Health Sciences and Practice Subject Centre