News Archive

Linden Chuang
Public relations editorial assistant

Awards and awareness were the focus of the inaugural World Teachers' Day breakfast on Avondale College's Lake Macquarie campus this past Tuesday (October 20).

The highlight of the breakfast: the presentation of the 2009 Avondale Learning and Teaching Excellence Awards. Dr Peter Beamish, dean of the Faculty of Education, received an individual award, while Dr Kevin de Berg and Ken Chapman, associate professor and lab supervisor in the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, received a team award. Vice-president (learning and teaching) Dr Philip Brown says the awards affirm the three for their "special efforts to excel in facilitating student learning."

Peter received his for innovative use of technology in the classroom-his students build websites, produce videos and edit wikis rather than write essays. Kevin and Ken received their award for developing two pieces of equipment for the chemistry laboratory-electrochemical cells and an apparatus for measuring the magnetic properties of crystals.

Several staff members were also recognised for their years of service to Avondale's learning and teaching program and their contribution to Christian higher education. Avondale presented these awards based on five-year increments, with Drs Robyn Priestley (30 years) and Howard Fisher (35 years) acknowledged as the longest-serving lecturers.

More than 90 staff members attended the breakfast. A significant number of Avondale College Council members also attended, including chair Dr Barry Oliver who presented a short devotional.

Nominations for the awards of excellence are open to academic staff members, including sessional lecturers, and general staff members. A committee assesses applications with reference to how the individual or team has benefited and enhanced student learning.

More than 100 countries celebrate World Teachers' Day. The theme this year-"Build the future: invest in teachers now!"-raises awareness of the worldwide shortage of teachers and the challenge of increasing the number of teachers. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, an estimated 10.3 million teachers will need recruiting by 2015 to counter the shortage and the high attrition rate of teachers.

Read the full list of award recipients at www.avondale.edu.au/connections.

Caption: Dr Peter Beamish (centre) received the individual Avondale Learning and Teaching Excellence Award for innovative use of technology in the classroom. President Dr Ray Roennfeldt (left) and Avondale College Council chair Dr Barry Oliver (right) present the award.
Credit: Ann Stafford

Caption: Dr Kevin de Berg and Ken Chapman received the team Avondale Learning and Teaching Excellence Award for developing equipment for the chemistry laboratory at Avondale College. President Dr Ray Roennfeldt presents the award.
Credit: Ann Stafford