Newcastle academics praised for enriching student learning
University of Newcastle academics have been recognised with prestigious national citations, acknowledging their commitment to enriching student learning.
The 2012 Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, awarded through the Australian Government’s Australian Awards for University Teaching program, have been announced by Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans.
“These Citations acknowledge the dedication of these colleagues to the learning experience of their students,” the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations), Professor Kevin McConkey, said.
Dr Catriona Malau from the Faculty of Education and Arts was awarded for incorporating engaging resources into the linguistics course for Bachelor of Teaching students. Using samples of children’s reading and spelling errors, she demonstrates to students how knowledge of the sound system and grammatical structure of English can help a teacher understand the types of errors made by early readers and writers.
Dr Liam Phelan, from Gradschool.com - the University’s online postgraduate arm - was recognised for creating an online community among geographically dispersed students through implementing a communal feedback system and encouraging the students’ to actively review his teaching practice.
The University’s Public Health Pre-Service Teaching Team - Dr Marita Lynagh, Dr Sue Outram and Dr Conor Gilligan - was awarded for pioneering a model to teach and manage sensitive and controversial issues in schools, such as sexuality, mental health, grief and loss, and child protection.
“The University works hard to attract and retain academics who use the latest evidence-based pedagogy and technology to enhance their students’ learning,” Professor McConkey said.
“We congratulate our award recipients for their contributions to a learning experience that is engaging, rewarding and world class.”
The Citations will be presented at a ceremony in Sydney on 25 September.
For more information on the awards visit the Office for Learning and Teaching.
For interviews: Carmen Swadling in Media and Public Relations on 02 4985 4276 or 0428 038 477.