September 20, 2016

National recognition for outstanding contributions to student learning

UOW’s position as a leader in pioneering and developing learning and teaching tools was confirmed last week when the Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, presented UOW with a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Joe Chicharo, the Faculty of Business’ Dr Belinda Gibbons and Dr Peter Mclean and Associate Professor Christine Brown from the Learning, Teaching & Curriculum unit joined Minister Birmingham in celebrating the achievement of UOW staff, along with representatives of other NSW 2016 citation recipients, at a ceremony in Sydney on Friday evening, 16 September 2016.

Mr Roy Brown, formerly Senior Lecturer and Head of Students in the School of Nursing who is now DVC-A Strategic Project Manager for the South Western Sydney Campus, was awarded an individual citation for leadership in the development and implementation of the Nursing Competency Assessment Schedule (NCAS). The schedule enhances student learning and assessment in clinical practice.

Because Mr Brown was unable to attend the ceremony, the award was accepted by Professor Chicharo on his behalf.

Dr Gibbons was also individually recognised for pioneering the design, development and implementation of an interdisciplinary experiential learning environment, as a means of embedding responsible decision-making in business higher education.

“Congratulations to Mr Brown and Dr Gibbons on receiving this recognition among such a highly competitive national field.” Professor Chicharo said.

“Their achievement reflects the innovation, commitment, and skill of all members of UOW’s learning and teaching community.

“With these honours, UOW preserves another excellent ranking in learning and teaching, numbering equal second for citations awarded across the country since the award program’s inception,” Professor Chicharo said.

Dr Gibbons described the award as an inspiring and motivating honour.

“Receiving a national citation is an honour. It motivates me to continue exploring innovations and collaborations that will improve the learning experiences and outcomes for our students.

“Being in a room filled with so many professionals who want to help change the world through education was so inspiring,” Dr Gibbons said.

The annual citations form part of the annual Australian Awards for University Teaching program, which recognises and rewards the diverse contributions made by individuals and teams to the quality of student learning.

Citations are awarded to those who have made a significant contribution in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period.

Of the 150 citations available, 109 were awarded to universities across Australia in 2016.

Pictured L-R: Professor Joe Chicharo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); award recipient Dr Belinda Gibbons, Lecturer Faculty of Business; Associate Professor Christine Brown, Learning, Teaching & Curriculum; Dr Peter Mclean -Head School of Management, Operations & Marketing.