Novel teaching methods and outstanding research supervision will be under the spotlight during The University of Queensland’s second annual UQ Teaching and Learning Week from November 10–14.
The week will commence with the announcement of UQ’s 2003 teaching excellence, research supervision and enhancement of student learning awards at a gala ceremony on Monday, November 10 at Customs House, 399 Queen St.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Margaret Gardner said the awards were designed to recognise, encourage and reward sustained excellence in teaching, supervision of research higher degree candidates, and excellence in the learning environment and provision of student services.
Five winners will receive $10,000 Awards for Excellence in Teaching, two groups will be presented with $20,000 Awards for Enhancement of Student Learning and one academic will be given a $10,000 Award for Excellence in Research Higher Degree Supervision.
A free public Teaching and learning excellence showcase on Thursday, November 13 will focus on undergraduate teaching initiatives in engineering and science.
Two presentations will demonstrate ultra-modern techniques for imparting in-depth knowledge and specific graduate attributes — and include tips on how high schools, students and parents can prepare for university study.
Caroline Crosthwaite from the School of Engineering will showcase the project-centred approach used to enhance teaching and learning in chemical and environmental engineering.
Students take on realistic projects, often sourced from industry, and work in teams to develop communication and project management skills as well as technical engineering knowledge.
Associate Professor Susan Hamilton and Dr Paula Myatt from the Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences will showcase strategies for nurturing excitement and a love of science in first-year biological science students.
The strategies include new ways of mentoring at-risk students, advanced study programs for exceptional students, innovative learning guides and novel uses for computing facilities.
The showcase runs from 5.30-7pm in the Queensland Bioscience Precinct auditorium, UQ St Lucia, and includes refreshments.
Entry is free and parking is available, but bookings are essential by November 11 (telephone 07 3365 7045, email e.kerr@uq.edu.au).
Other major events include the following.
Curriculum design in animal physiotherapy plus innovations from the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences’ Learning Enhancement Project will be highlighted at a free public Teaching excellence showcase (including lunch) from 11am-3pm on Wednesday, November 12 at the "Old Homestead", UQ Gatton (bookings essential, email c.steel@uq.edu.au).
UQ staff and students can discover how flexible learning works by visiting an Online open house, from Monday, November 3–Friday, November 14. Each faculty will present a copy of a WebCT site demonstrating good online practice. Discussion areas will not include student contributions, for privacy reasons.
A Postgraduate Flexible Learning Funding Scheme workshop for potential grant applicants will take place from 9.30–11am on Friday, November 14 at the Teaching and Educational Development Institute (TEDI), UQ St Lucia. The workshop will provide the opportunity to investigate flexible learning directions and program development, discuss ideas with TEDI educational designers and see presentations by previous grant winners (bookings: telephone 07 3365 2666, email staffdev@tedi.uq.edu.au).
For full details of UQ Teaching and Learning Week events, visit www.uq.edu.au/teaching_learning
Media: for further information, contact Joanne van Zeeland at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2619, email j.vanzeeland@uq.edu.au).
