Innovative curriculums and motivational courses are some of the reasons lecturers at The University of Queensland have been awarded Australian Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.
UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mick McManus said UQ was blessed with outstanding academics who believed in the importance of teaching a student and not a class.
“They (teachers) have that unique ability to connect in a special way with every student,” Professor McManus said.
“Our three Citation winners in 2012 have that rare talent to encourage students to learn in a way that makes a sustained and positive difference to the way they think, act or feel about their discipline.
“They have developed these skills through a process of ongoing self-evaluation, reflection and a willingness to embrace change.
“The success of our 2012 winners builds on the proud reputation of University in fostering a culture of valuing and rewarding teaching excellence. Their success reflects that our greatest contribution to society is through the quality of our graduates.”
The UQ winners will be among recipients at the 2012 Queensland Citation Awards ceremony at Brisbane on 9 October.
Citations can be awarded to academic, general and sessional staff, and institutional associates, who have made significant contributions to student learning in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period.
They are valued at $10,000 each.
UQ's winners are:
Professor Michael Drinkwater of the School of Mathematics and Physics, for role playing activities in undergraduate courses that motivate students to engage with course material and develop high-level problem solving skills.
Dr Helen Keates of the School of Veterinary Science, for developing practice-ready veterinary graduates with mastery of fundamental knowledge and principles of veterinary anesthesia and their application in novel, challenging clinical situations.
Dr Annetta Tsang of the School of Dentistry, for a whole-of-program approach to transforming oral health students to oral health professionals: developing professional ways of being through explicit curriculum design.
Professor Drinkwater said he was honoured to receive a Citation Award.
“I was thrilled to see this part of my work recognised,” Professor Drinkwater said.
“Teaching really thrills me when I see students struggle with something they find really difficult and then master it, to achieve something they didn't think they could do.
“I also want the excitement of my research to flow into my teaching so I can share it with my students.
“I want to always keep trying the best new ideas in both my teaching and my research.”
Dr Keates also emphasizes the importance of relevant and up-to-date teaching.
“The demands of the profession and the students change so staying ahead or at least abreast of change is the challenge,” Dr Keates said.
“The students provide the stimulus and the energy necessary for sustained effort.
“There’s nothing more exciting than seeing the ‘lights come on’.”
Dr Annetta Tsang said enlightening and inspiring students was one of her biggest passions too.
“To be inspired and to inspire others to make a difference in whatever position, area and circumstance they find themselves in, is what I hope to achieve in my academic career,” Dr Tsang said.
“I am thankful to my Head of School who always believes in me and gives me liberty to run with even the craziest of ideas.
“I am thankful to my students and colleagues who inspired, encouraged and contributed over the years.
“The award is acknowledgement and reflection of what great students and colleagues (including fellow academics, part-time clinicians, community partners and volunteer helpers), I had and have to work with.”
Media: Belinda Berry, communications officer, +61 7 3365 3439 or b.berry2@uq.edu.au
