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Dean's Excellence in Teaching Awards

The Dean's Excellence in Teaching Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to the Faculty of Science teaching programs made by individuals or teams.

Award $2,000 award to be used at the discretion of the award winner(s) to further their teaching interests
Up to four awards will be conferred in 2009.
Eligible staff Nomination is open to all academic staff, general staff, sessional staff and associates of the Faculty of Science. Both team and individual nominations are encouraged.
Criteria The criteria against which nomination will be assessed are in line with the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) awards for Teaching Excellence.

Nominees' applications will be assessed on the basis of evidence which supports their claims against at least one of the following five criteria:
1. Approaches to teaching that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn
Which may include: fostering student development by stimulating curiosity and independence in learning; contributing to the development of students’ critical thinking skills, analytical skills and scholarly values; encouraging student engagement through the enthusiasm shown for learning and teaching; inspiring and motivating students through high-level communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.

2. Development of curricula and resources that reflect a command of the field
Which may include: developing and presenting coherent and imaginative resources for student learning; implementing research-led approaches to learning and teaching; demonstrating up-to-date knowledge of the field of study in the design of the curriculum and the creation of resources for learning; communicating clear objectives and expectations for student learning.

3. Approaches to assessment and feedback that foster independent learning
Which may include: integrating assessment strategies with the specific aims and objectives for student learning; providing timely, worthwhile feedback to students on their learning; using a variety of assessment and feedback strategies; implementing both formative and summative assessment; adapting assessment methods to different contexts and diverse student needs.

4. Respect and support for the development of students as individuals
Which may include: participating in the effective and empathetic guidance and advising of students; assisting students from equity and other demographic subgroups to participate and achieve success in their courses; influencing the overall academic, social and cultural experience of higher education.

5. Scholarly activities that have influenced and enhanced learning and teaching
Which may include: showing advanced skills in evaluation and reflective practice; participating in and contributing to professional activities related to learning and teaching; coordination, management and leadership of courses and student learning; conducting and publishing research related to teaching; demonstrating leadership through activities that have broad influence on the profession.

Timelines for 2009

Closing date for nominations: Friday, May 1

Nomination details

Documents required

  • A completed nomination form using the proforma attached (doc 280kb)
  • A written statement addressing one or more selection criteria and including the following three headings:
    1. An overview, summarising the particular contribution and describing the specific context for the contribution.
    2. A statement addressing the chosen criterion/criteria
    3. A statement identifying the ways in which the contribution has influenced student learning, engagement and/or the overall student experience, been sustained over time, and been recognised by fellow staff, the school, and/or the broader community.
  • There is no limit on the number of pages that can be presented. Nominees are encouraged to be strategic in preparing their nomination so that it could be presented to other award granting bodies with only minor changes. As a general guide, ALTC citations allow for a maximum of 4 pages, while the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence in teaching Awards and the ALTC Teaching Excellence Awards allow for no more than eight pages.
  • A reference from the nominee's head of school of no more than one page.

Lodgement of nominations

Nominations should be sent by the closing date to the Associate Dean (Education), Faculty of Science, Clayton Campus

Selection Committee

Nominations will be assessed by the selection committee appointed by the Dean in consultation with the Associate Dean (Education).

Further information

For further information contact the Associate Dean (Education), Faculty of Science, or phone 9905 4483.

  

Winners of Excellence in Teaching Awards

2008:

Dr Cathy Yule: ALTC Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student learning

Dr David Paganin: Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award  for sustained achievements in motivating and inspiring students to learn physics

Dr Ros Gleadow: Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award for the leadership provided in reshaping the core unit SCI2010

Dr Leo Brewin: Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award for sustained achievements in motivating students in mathematics lectures

Dr Maria Athanassenas: Dean’s commendation for  her  important contribution to the teaching program in the School of Mathematical Sciences

Dr Evan Robertson: Dean’s commendation for his  important contribution to the teaching program in the School of Chemsitry           

2007:

Dr Cathy Yule: Vice Chancellor's Excellence in Teaching Award

A Prof Gordon Sanson, Dr Richard Reina, Mr Bruce Weir, Dr Murray Logan and Mr Graeme Ivey: For applying advanced digital technology that integrates biological data collection including microscope imaging, data sharing and group analysis to stimulate and enhance teaching and learning. (Carrick Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning)

2006:

Mike Grace: For creation of an innovative, Scenario-Based Learning Activity, which develops interpersonal and group skills while investigating contentious environmental chemistry issues within a broad social context. (Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award)

A Prof Gordon Sanson, Dr Richard Reina, Mr Bruce Weir, Dr Murray Logan and Mr Graeme Ivey: For advanced digital technology applied to teaching and learning that integrates biological data collection, data sharing and group analysis including microscope imaging.(Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award)

A Prof Steven Langford: For leadership and foresight in fostering the national needs of chemical science education and for effective engagement of students to the world of Chemsitry. (Carrick Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning)

2005:

A Prof Steven Langford: (Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award)