June 6, 2014

WATTLE – promoting excellence and leadership in teaching and learning

A new academy will foster creative thinking and excellence in teaching and learning. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Eeva Leinonen, recently launched the Wollongong Academy of Tertiary Teaching & Learning Excellence (WATTLE) at UOW in conjunction with Learning, Teaching & Curriculum (LTC). 

As the Academy develops under the leadership of inaugural Director, Professor Patrick Crookes, it will bring together a community of higher education-focused expertise, scholarship and research to lead discussions and innovation locally and across the sector.  

“This Academy belongs to the UOW community and we want members to shape what WATTLE will look like in years to come. Our passions lie in teaching and learning and that’s why we have chosen to spend our professional lives in education.  I’m excited about the potential we have to shape the future of young people, our staff and the sector and lead the way through innovation and impact,” Professor Leinonen said.

WATTLE provides a space for engagement, dialogue and collaboration, building on UOW’s strong history of outstanding achievement in teaching and learning.

Special guest Natalie Laifer, Acting Branch Manager Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT), congratulated the University on its vision in establishing the Academy. 

“The WATTLE model is a sound way to recognise and promote teaching excellence in higher education and to share experience and expertise as well as disseminate valuable resources.  It’s a way of raising the bar and this must remain our focus,” she said.

The launch was attended by more than 70 guests, including the first round of colleagues who were inducted into the Academy in recognition of their existing achievements and ongoing contribution to teaching and learning.

The first Senior Fellows inducted into the Academy were Associate Professor Michael Adams, Associate Professor Christine Brown, Emeritus Professor Robert Castle, Mr Tom Goldfinch, Associate Professor Garry Hoban, Dr Lynne Keevers, Professor Tim McCarthy, Dr Sarah O'Shea, Associate Professor Anne Porter, Professor Heather Yeatman, Professor Patrick Crookes, Associate Professor Romy Lawson and Professor Eeva Leinonen.  They were joined by 47 colleagues inducted as Fellows. 

“The most pleasing aspect of the WATTLE launch, is that so many people appreciated and agreed with, the underlying intent of the Academy which is to foster and develop the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) locally, nationally and internationally; and to facilitate SoTL excellence and leadership being recognised, valued and celebrated in academia,” Professor Crookes said.

As the Academy grows additional members will be invited and inducted into the community and those wishing to participate in the teaching and learning conversation are encouraged to apply.

More: Visit the Wollongong Academy of Tertiary Teaching & Learning Excellence website.