CASS Teaching and Learning Awards

The College of Arts & Social Sciences announced the 2009 Teaching and Learning Awards at the annual Christmas party hosted by the College Dean, Professor Toni Makkai. 

These awards are the primary means for celebrating teaching excellence within the College and the Dean, Executive and all the staff of the College congratulate the winners on their success and hard work.

For a full list of the recipients of the Teaching and Learning Awards...

Award for teaching excellence
Dr Jennifer Hendriks, School of Language Studies

For her initiative in trialling innovative approaches to teaching and assessment. Notably, Hendriks has worked inclusively and collaboratively with her students and the Education Design Studio to develop, implement, and also reflect upon the benefits and challenges of using Web 2.0 in linguistics education. The marking rubric developed through this process has been adopted as a ‘best practice’ example by the EDS. Hendriks’ innovative and inclusive approach is well-evidenced by excellent ANUSET evaluations and by the testimonials provided by students, which further indicate the sustained impact of her teaching.

Award for excellence in tutoring (small group teaching)
John Mackey, School of Music

For his strongly student-centred approach to tuition and his commitment to fostering independent learning. Notably, Mackey works with students to develop individualised 2 year progress plans, and then employs both formative and summative assessment to ensure the goals are met. Mackey’s impact as an inspiring teacher is demonstrated by formal ANUSET assessment and student testimonials provided for the application, as well as by the success of his former students who have gone on to win University Medals and become professional musicians.

Award for excellence in supervision
Professor Jill Mathews, Head of the School of Social Sciences

For her outstanding guidance and assistance to PhD students over the years.  Notably, Jill was the Chair of the panel for three PhD students who were all successful in being awarded a PhD this year. Throughout her career, Jill has assisted many students to complete higher research degrees, whilst also holding a considerable number of administrative positions within the University and producing a number of research pieces on the histories of popular culture, modernity and sexuality. Jill has been an important and influential member of the history and women’s studies programs at the ANU.

Award for Program that enhances student learning
Dr Patrick Guinness, School of Archaeology and Anthropology - Southeast Asia field School Yogyakarta, Indonesia

From the 24th June to the 10th July 2009 Patrick Guiness in collaboration with colleagues at the Duta Wacana Christian University – Yogyakarta, and Gadgah Mada University arranged for 20 ANU students to experience life in the low-income urban settlements of Yogyakarta by living with a local family.

Prior to leaving there was a week of preparatory lectures and group workshops held during the fieldwork. The students conducted research in teams of two Australian and two Indonesian students.

The focus of the research projects was on the interactions of individuals, communities and the state in the rapidly changing political and economic climate of contemporary Indonesia. Topics investigated include issues of sustainable livelihood, revitalizing the neighborhood association, negotiating legality in a squatter kampong, the impact of boarding students, the use of public space and much else.

Before leaving the field the students had prepared reports on their projects and the results were published as a 255 page book titled: Experiencing the dynamics of kampong life.

Students found the course very rewarding, if testing. It gave them a taste of the rigours of fieldwork, a chance to engage authentically in a cross-cultural context, taught them about teamwork and made them feel as if they had the tools to contribute to something significant to the real world.