Education Innovation

Our Mission is to Support & Encourage Teaching Excellence

We strive for excellence in education at UNSW Engineering. As Australia’s largest engineering faculty, our greatest impact is through our graduates, and our priority is ensuring they graduate with the skills, knowledge and qualities that are needed by the profession and society.

We believe that the most effective way to encourage and support excellence and innovation in teaching is by giving our teachers the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by each other. In addition to technical and pedagogical support, we help our academics meet colleagues in other disciplines and share their insights about teaching at UNSW Engineering.

Teaching Support

Education Technology

Support for teachers to develop courses:

  • Exam digitisation
  • Lecture recording services
  • Course support drop-in clinic
  • Blended learning support
  • 360° lab tours and field trips
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STEMBlended

A one-stop-shop for teaching and learning:

  • Course design
  • Teaching approaches
  • Digital technologies
  • Recap of UNSW educational events
  • Teaching inspiration
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Professional Development Opportunities

We offer a range of development opportunities for our teachers, including Engineering Education Lunchtime Roundtables, the Peer Observation Teaching Program and an online self-paced learning hub, STEMBlended. To find out what’s on offer, visit Engineering’s Educational Events.

The flagship event for our Professional Development Program is the Course Design Institute. The program involves an intensive workshop over five days. Working in small groups under the guidance of peer facilitators, and as large groups led by Institute facilitators, you’ll be exposed to the fundamental concepts of course design, student motivation, and assessment. The program will also delve into novel methodologies and approaches you can implement in your own courses.

Teaching Awards

Each year, we recognise the important work our teachers do through the University’s teaching awards.

UNSW Engineering Student’s Choice Teaching Award
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Organised, nominated and judged by our students, this award shines a light on the inspiring teachers who might not consider putting themselves forward for an award.

The Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence
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Recognising the passionate teachers who are transforming how our students learn. Nominations for this award close in September. Those considering applying should consult with their Head of School.

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UNSW Engineering Staff Excellence Awards
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UNSW Engineering’s peak awards acknowledge the exceptional and outstanding service or work within our Faculty. Nominations are due by mid-November via ENGage.

Scientia Education Academy
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The Scientia Education Academy recognises inspiring educators - the Scientia Education Fellows - and harnesses their drive and enthusiasm to enhance learning and teaching across UNSW.

KPMG Inspiring Teaching Award in a First Year Undergraduate Program
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The KPMG Award celebrates teachers who create rich learning environments and provide a consistently excellent educational experience for students.

Voted by first-year students, the winner receives a $3000 cash prize and certificate. Voting opens in September.

Australian Awards for University Teaching 
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Presented by the Australian Government, these awards celebrate and reward excellence in university teaching. The four award types include:

  • Citations for outstanding contributions to student learning
  • Awards for programs that enhance learning
  • Awards for teaching excellence
  • The Award for the Australian University Teacher of the Year
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Dr Lauren Kark

Meet Lauren Kark: Knowledge Assured not Assumed

Dr Lauren Kark from the School of Biomedical Engineering teaches students who have undergraduate degrees in a range of disciplines including Engineering, Science, Medical Science and Allied Health.

She identified that a student with a background in Pharmacy could find it challenging to keep up with a bio-mechanics class. This unusual student demographic prompted her to develop an online content support system which ensures students have the appropriate prior knowledge to succeed in her class.

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Alison Jones

Alison Jones: 2019 Winner of the Students' Choice Teaching Award

Associate Professor Alison Jones was lauded with UNSW Engineering Students’ Choice Teaching Award for best lecturer in 2019. So, what does it take to be nominated by your students for a teaching award?

Students said they loved her use of storytelling in the classroom as it helped them remember the concepts and anchor them to everyday life.  

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Interested in Learning More? 

Contact the Education Innovation Unit