Archaeology lecturer recognised for teaching excellence
European archaeology lecture Dr Catherine Frieman. Photo by Stuart Hay.
Dr Catherine Frieman, a lecturer in European archaeology with the ANU School of Archaeology and Anthropology, was last night named one of Australia’s best teachers by the Australian Government's Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT).
Dr Frieman, who was presented with an early career award, was one of three ANU academics who were recognised. The others were Associate Professor Joe Hope, who teaches quantum science, and Dr Asmi Wood, a Senior Lecturer with the ANU College of Law who won a Neville Bonner Award for Indigenous education.
The OLT Awards for Teaching Excellence recognise significant contributions to the quality of student learning.
Dr Frieman, said she was thrilled to win the award and felt all researchers had a responsibility to pass their knowledge on.
"Teaching is a crucial part of research. It's what makes the research justifiable," said Dr Frieman who has been a full time lecturer with ANU since 2012.
"I don't think we can justify the support we get from taxpayers and students without passing on what we learn.
"If we're only doing that in academic articles and books that 300 people, if we're lucky, will ever read, then we're not doing our jobs right," she said.
Dr Frieman said she was always drawn to teaching and was honoured to receive the award.
"I always knew I wanted to teach. As soon as I got a chance as a PhD student I jumped into tutoring," she said.
"Next year I'll be teaching a new class on material cultures and technology studies. It's going to have workshops at the School of Art with visits to the glass factory. It will be really fun and I'm really excited about it."
Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham praised the outstanding efforts of the teachers.
"All award winners, individuals and teams play a vital role in building Australia's future through their life-changing impact on the students they teach and inspire through their commitment to excellence and innovation," Minister Birmingham said.
"They show us just how well we can embrace change and disruption by being innovative, imaginative and bold enough to take on the challenges that face us."
The full list of award recipients can be found at http://www.olt.gov.au