Award for Excellence in Tutoring

This award recognises exceptionally motivating, inspiring and inclusive teaching in small group settings and support of individual student learning.

Eligibility Criteria

1. All tutors in The College of Arts and Social Sciences, full-time or fractional; continuing or contract, can be nominated. 
2. Tutors who have assisted teaching for at least two full semesters within the two years immediately preceding the closing date for nominations can be nominated.
3. Both individual and team nominations are encouraged.  Teams may be of any size, however nominations may name no more than five members.
4. Self-nominations will be accepted.

Selection Criteria

1. Approaches to teaching that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn in small group settings, 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, facilitation, presentation and interpersonal skills.
2. Command of the subject matter and incorporation of developments in the field of study within the teaching environment, which may include:
   • demonstrating up-to-date knowledge of the field of study in the approach to classes and in the creation
   • of resources or activities for learning;
   • communication of up-to-date implications for subject matter and incorporation of these ideas into the learning environment created;
   • communicating clear objectives and expectations for student learning.
3. Approaches to feedback that foster independent learning, which may include:
   • providing timely, worthwhile feedback to students on their learning;
   • developing and/or using a variety of feedback strategies;
   • implementing both formative and summative assessment and feedback approaches;
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, especially in a small group setting.

The selection criteria will be given equal consideration by the Selection Committee. In assessing nominations against the criteria, the Selection Committee will take into account:

1. demonstrated evidence in formal and informal evaluation;
2. the degree of creativity, imagination or innovation, irrespective of whether the approach involves traditional or technology-based developments; and
3. the information contained in references and selected teaching materials submitted by the applicant.