The University of Queensland’s annual Teaching and Learning Awards last night celebrated excellence, creativity and innovation.
From the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati and the EAIT Employability Team were recognised for their contributions, along with the CHEE2001 and MECH 2305 teaching teams, consisting of Beverly Coulter, Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Professor Paul Lant and Dr Paul Jensen from the School of Chemical Engineering and Dr Michael Bermingham and Professor Matthew Dargusch from the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Joanne Wright said the awards recognised the important work of teachers in shaping students and building their opportunities to make a positive difference across society.
"Teachers are key to students getting the most from their university experience, and it is an absolute joy to see the outcomes from UQ teachers and students working together," Professor Wright said.
She said students across UQ were benefiting from UQ’s push to embed employability in every study program.
"All students can now engage with opportunities including work-integrated learning, short term global experiences, entrepreneurial activities, and volunteering that build their capabilities and develop the mindsets required for an evolving future world of work," Professor Wright said.
“This has translated into UQ having the most employable graduates in the State, according to QS data.
“Thanks to this kind of important work from our inspirational teachers, employers have confidence that UQ graduates are globally relevant, innovative and creative future leaders.”
Professor Wright noted that the digital revolution had transformed the teaching profession “in a few short years”.
“Teachers are doing a magnificent job in adapting to that and in thinking in new ways about their students’ education,” she said. “We see many examples of this among our award winners tonight.”
UQ Teaching and Learning Week 2019 (Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November), provides opportunities for the UQ community to learn from one another and to celebrate creative and innovative teaching practices designed to enhance student learning.
This year’s workshops, panels, and other interactive sessions are highlighting UQ’s excellent teachers and tutors, initiatives, and teaching and learning leaders around the theme of “Creativity”.
The program of events is designed to give staff opportunities to network and discuss contemporary teaching and learning.