Seven University of Newcastle academics have been awarded prestigious national citations for having a positive impact on the learning experience of their students.

The 2011 Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning were awarded this week. The citations acknowledge academics that have made significant contributions to student learning.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations), Professor Kevin McConkey, said the citations were one of the top honours for Australian academics.

“These citations are an acknowledgement of the dedication of University of Newcastle academics to the learning experience of their students.”

Dr Brendan Boyle from the Newcastle Business School was one of 22 Early Career achievers nationwide to be awarded a citation by the ALTC.

“For the first time citations have been given to early career achievers and it is exciting that an academic from our University has been acknowledged,” Professor McConkey said.

Dr Boyle was awarded for excellence in the development and implementation of approaches to assessment, feedback and learning that foster independent learning among diverse student cohorts.

Dr Rachel Burke from the School of Education was awarded for innovative approaches to the promotion of greater linguistic awareness and expertise amongst trainee teachers.

Shane Dempsey, John Tessier and Daphne James from the School of Health Sciences were acknowledged for developing guides to provide students with skills for future practice.

Dr Kit Messham-Muir from the School of Drama, Fine Art and Music was awarded for inspiring and motivating first year students through innovative teaching practices, redesigning course material and assessments, and creating comprehensive online learning environments.

Dr Marcus Rodrigs from the Newcastle Business School was awarded for the development of an active learning approach to influence, motivate, inspire, engage and support accounting students.

The academics will receive their citations at the 2011 Australian Awards for University Teaching at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 16 August 2011.

For more information on the awards visit www.altc.edu/June2011-citations

For interviews: Please telephone University of Newcastle Media and PR Officer Leonie Brann on 02 4921 6856 or 0448 898 813.