Full marks for UNSW teaching

30 November 2004

UNSW has picked up two national and two state awards for teaching excellence.

In the Australian Awards for University Teaching, announced today by Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson, the University was recognised for its "innovative and practical" approach to teaching and learning with an institutional award, while Professor Joe Wolfe, from the School of Physics, was honoured with an individual teaching award.

UNSW took out the honours for the "enhancement of the quality of teaching and learning within an institution" with its Communities of Practice strategy. The strategy, under the auspices of the Learning and Teaching Unit, encourages the creation of communities of academics and support staff, working together to improve the student learning experience.

Professor Joe Wolfe was one of six academics from universities around Australia honoured with an individual teaching award. His award nomination cites a "highly motivational teacher with tremendous commitment and outstanding talent who is extremely responsive to students' needs". Especially noted is a new course, Physics Thinking, developed by Professor Wolfe for advanced science students.

Meanwhile Dr Sean Brawley and Dr Kathy Takayama were recognised in the university category of the NSW Government's Quality Teaching Awards, presented by Education Minister Andrew Refshauge.

Dr Takayama, a senior lecturer in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, was honoured for combining "enthusiasm for her subject with consummate skills in subject delivery". According to her award citation, she finds ways to maximise student involvement in the learning process and links the activities of her research group back into the classroom.

Dr Brawley is a senior lecturer in the School of History. His teaching is described as "innovative, passionate, and deeply reflective". He is also cited for making extensive, innovative and effective use of educational technology.

All three academics have previously won UNSW Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Teaching Excellence.

The Australian Awards for University Teaching, now in their eighth year, are focused on raising the status of university teaching. Institutional award winners receive a grant of $50,000 each. Winners in the teaching award categories receive $40,000 each.

More information on the 2004 Australian Awards is available on the Minister's website.