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Teaching skills of lecturer worth $10,000
05 August 2008
A $10,000 citation recognising Dr Darren Morton's contribution to student learning is the first received by an Avondale College lecturer from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council.
The citation, presented to Darren (pictured) at the University of New South Wales on August 5, reads: "For enthusiastically empowering students to embrace healthy, active lifestyles through personal example, genuine concern and the development of exemplary communication skills.""I'm honoured to receive this citation," says Darren, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Lifestyle Education and Visual Communication. "And I can honestly say I enjoy my teaching as much now as when I first started."
Avondale president Dr John Cox notes the significance of Avondale being the only higher education provider apart from the major universities selected for a citation. "The quality of Darren's work has brought us honour and public recognition," he says. "I congratulate him for his outstanding contribution to student learning."
The council, formerly the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, is presenting more than $2 million to citation recipients this week. Each recipient receives $10,000 for making a significant contribution to the quality of student learning in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period, whether they are academic staff, general staff, sessional staff or institutional associates. They must receive wide recognition within their institution for their achievements and receive strong institutional endorsement. Darren's application included references from his dean, Wayne Miller, vice-president (learning and teaching) Dr Malcolm Coulson and students, one of whom wrote of Darren's "superior knowledge and engaging lecture presentation."
"Darren leads by example and is an ambassador for exercise science," says Wayne. "He fits so much into his life and teaches to a very high standard." Malcolm speaks of the Christian values Darren models and adds, "He is a dynamic, enthusiastic communicator who applies his research interests and teaching skills to motivate students toward a positive lifestyle."
The citations, now in their third year, are part of the Australian federal government's commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence in teaching in the higher education sector.
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