Teaching staff honoured as students graduate

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Friday, 12 December 2008

Thousands of graduating students will help to honour the staff who taught them when the University of Adelaide hands out awards for excellence in teaching at this month's graduation ceremonies.

More than 3800 students will graduate across 12 ceremonies being held in the University's historic Bonython Hall from 16-23 December.

Among the many features of the graduation ceremonies will be the chance to reflect on the high standard of teaching, with the presentation of the annual Stephen Cole the Elder Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

This year, nine staff have been recognised in the awards. The award winners are:

• Dr Katrina Falkner (School of Computer Science) - a leader in her School and Faculty in terms of education innovation and enthusiasm, she is determined to help every student acquire the skills and confidence to succeed in their chosen field of study.

• Associate Professor Elizabeth Koch OAM (Elder Conservatorium of Music) - an insightful educator who is able to instil confidence in young musicians while honing their musical skills. She is prepared to invest considerable time and effort to help students achieve their goals, nurturing their talents and aspirations.

• A team consisting of Margaret Castles, Anne Hewitt, Cornelia Koch, Andrew Ligertwood and Matthew Stubbs (all from the Law School) - whose work on a situational learning program and assessment has motivated students and given them a deep understanding of the ways in which legal theory is applied.

• Associate Professor Anne Tonkin (Medicine Learning & Teaching Unit) - shares an exceptional rapport with students, has the ability to inspire and guide, and assists students in becoming confident and capable self-directed learners. She has won both the Stephen Cole the Elder Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Vice-Chancellor and President's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

• Associate Professor Martin Lambert (School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering) - a supervisor of exceptional ability who provides postgraduate students with a sense of camaraderie and collegiality, a sense of purpose and achievement, and technical expertise. He has won the University of Adelaide Award for Excellence in Higher Degree by Research Supervision.

"Students value a quality educational experience - it's something that sets them in good stead for a lifetime of achievement," says the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor James McWha.

"These award-winning staff are among our very best in providing that quality experience to students. This is why recognising their achievements at graduation time is so important; many of the graduates attending these ceremonies are a product of their excellence."

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