Teaching Awards
La Trobe University delivers an innovative, relevant and responsive academic program. The recognition of, and reward for, learning and teaching activities that achieve these objectives are high priorities for the University. La Trobe provides opportunities for outstanding teaching to be recognised through the:
- Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT)
- Vice Chancellor's Education Awards
La Trobe’s teaching awards use the AAUT award criteria to support staff in progressing to the AAUT scheme and achieving national recognition for their teaching initiatives.
Previous Awardees
Outstanding contributions to student learning amongst our staff community are recognised annually by the University and the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT).
The following La Trobe University staff are previous award winners:
2021
AAUT Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
Associate Professor Dana Wong
For training confident, competent, inspired clinicians to deliver neuropsychological interventions for people living with brain conditions.
Dr Kate Ashman
For an accounting work placement program in a regional setting to foster industry engagement and employment outcomes.
Associate Professor Daswin De Silva
For development of curricula with real-world cases that deconstruct the technical complexities, practical applications and ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence.
Dr Laura Whitburn, Dr Di Hughes, Associate Professor Rod Green, Dr Lloyd White, Mr Heath McGowan, Dr Anita Zacharias and Dr Aaron McDonald
For a discipline-wide collegial approach in the context of developing sustainable blended learning content in anatomy.
Associate Professor Louise Lexis, Dr Brianna Julien, Mr Jason Brown, Dr Caroline Taylor, Dr Jarrod Church, Dr Jency Thomas and Dr Chris van der Poel
For developing an integrated curriculum that supports Bachelor of Health Sciences students to become career ready 21st century graduates.
2020
AAUT Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
Dr Amanda Shaker
For the creation of engaging and supportive classroom environments that inspire learning of statistics curriculum among cohorts diverse in size, need and background.
Professor Darren Henry
For enhancing student learning, engagement and work readiness through the integration of authentic, experiential simulation activities into the finance curriculum.
Dr Monica Peddle
For pioneering excellence in creating and sustaining an effective, innovative web-based resource to develop nontechnical skills in undergraduate health professional maintaining patient safety.
Vice-Chancellor's Sessional Teaching Award
- Hosu Ryu and Danny Fryer
for their approaches to teaching and the support of learning that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn.
Vice-Chancellor's Early Career Teaching Award
- Dr Amanda Shaker
For the creation of engaging and supportive classroom environments that inspire learning of statistics curriculum among cohorts diverse in size, need and background. - Dr Anita Mackay
Fostering the engagement, wellbeing and acquisition of foundational legal skills of first-year law students through innovative curriculum and well-targeted resources and support.
Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award
- The Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Course Leadership Team
Dr Jessica Biesiekierski (Team Leader)
Dr Deanna Horvath
Emma Stirling
Dr Amy Larsen
Dr Melissa Buultjens
Associate Professor Evan Robertson
Dr Pallavi Sharma
Dr Michael Andrews
Michael Coldrey
Cate Elliott
Equity and excellence, a recipe for success: Leadership of Australia’s first authentically accessible nutrition degree with a sustained outstanding student experience.
- Human Biosciences Employability Team
Dr Louise Lexis (Team Leader)
Dr Brianna Julien
Jason Brown
Dr Caroline Taylor
Dr Almas Juma
Dr Jarrod Church
Dr Jency Thomas
Dr Chris van der Poel
For developing an integrated curriculum that supports Bachelor of Health Sciences students to become 21st century career ready graduates.
- Dr Monica Peddle
For pioneering excellence in creating and sustaining an effective, innovative web-based resource to develop nontechnical skills in undergraduate health professionals maintaining patient safety.
- Accounting Experiential Learning Team
Dr Kate Ashman (Team Leader)
Carolyn Scott
For outstanding contributions to increasing low SES regional accounting students’ employability through innovative industry engagement and scholarly approach to work placement program
Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teacher of the Year
- Human Biosciences Employability Team
Dr Louise Lexis (Team Leader)
Dr Brianna Julien
Jason Brown
Dr Caroline Taylor
Dr Almas Juma
Dr Jarrod Church
Dr Jency Thomas
Dr Chris van der Poel
For developing an integrated curriculum that supports Bachelor of Health Sciences students to become 21st-century career-ready graduates.
2019
AAUT Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dilhani Premaratna
Bridging theory and the real-world through case studies that simulate real life disease
scenarios to enhance the student learning experience in animal biosecurity
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teacher of the Year
- Siann Bowman
Inspiring and empowering occupational therapy students to learn mental health practice.
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence
- Siann Bowman
Inspiring and empowering occupational therapy students to learn mental health practice - Andrea Maree Bruder
Learning to look after yourself. Transforming Physiotherapy curricula through meaningful activities that promote health and well-being. - Dianne Cox, Sarah Maclean, Darran Stonehouse, Chris Horsell, Sian Anderson, Kathleen Maltzahn, and Laura Meese
For encouraging a diverse cohort of students across four campuses to appreciate the importance of policy analysis and advocacy in social work practice. - Sally Mastwyk and Rachael McAleer
From student to tutor: transforming physiotherapy students’ learning utilising peer supported simulated practical classes. - Lachlan McDonald-Kerr
For dynamic and meaningful approaches to teaching and student engagement that inspires, motivates and influences learning in undergraduate and postgraduate accounting subjects. - Kok-Leong Ong, Damminda Alahakoon, and Daswin De Silva
For delivery of a highly successful postgraduate program in Business Analytics, contributing to the University’s mission on teaching innovation, outstanding student experience and graduate employability. - Ross O’Shea and Elvan Djouma
For sustained excellence in inspiring student engagement in pharmacology through the development and delivery of authentic curriculum relevant to disciplinary and occupational outcomes. - Jenny Selkirk-Bell and Yeliz Boglev
For connecting transnational students in Singapore undergraduate science degrees with the University through service delivery and curriculum
2018
AAUT Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Belinda Abbott, Dr Peter Barnard, Dr Jason Dutton, Ms Mandeep Kaur, and Dr Evan Robertson
The Chemistry Capstone Team developed a new project-based laboratory experience where undergraduate chemistry students design, and implement strategies to solve research problems using a range of scientific resources at their disposal. The capstone projects support critical thinking, independence, encourage deeper levels of learning and provides training in successful teamwork. This empowering approach markedly improves student engagement and has led to a significant improvement in results.
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence
- Dr Brian Grills
For delivery of an inspiring Pathophysiology curriculum to large, diverse student cohorts that stimulates student engagement and learning for their future professions. - Dr Catherine Padmore, Dr Hester Joyce and Dr Tonya Stebbins
For developing a writing toolbox to bring cohesion of content and cohort to a first-year interdisciplinary subject.
La Trobe University Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Anne-Maree Sawyer
For developing effective, accessible and stimulating resources for student learning in a fully online second-year Sociology subject. - Anthony Francis
For empowering and inspiring Prosthetics and Orthotics students to apply evidence-based practice through collaboration and engagement with clinical experts and patients in authentic clinical settings. - Dr Brian Grills
For delivery of an inspiring Pathophysiology curriculum to large, diverse student cohorts that stimulates student engagement and learning for their future professions. - Dr Catherine Padmore, Dr Hester Joyce and Dr Tonya Stebbins
For developing a writing toolbox to bring cohesion of content and cohort to a first-year interdisciplinary subject. - Dr Chris Bruce
For sparking connections through digital technologies in Allied Health learning and teaching – inspiring curiosity in Occupational Therapy students through flexible learning for the 21st century. - Dr Jasvir Kaur Nachatar Singh
For transforming a University-wide subject Leadership: What Matters to inspire leadership capacities in undergraduate third-year students. - Dr Laura Griffin
For Thinking Like a Lawyer: motivating Business students to learn Law, and equipping them to do it well. - Dr Laura Whitburn, Dr Diane Hughes, Dr Aaron McDonald, Dr Sherrie Wentworth, Dr Rodney Green, Dr Lloyd White, Dr Jency Thomas, Ms Anita Zacharias, Mr Heath McGowan and Dr Richard Fernandez
For the power of peer-review: a discipline-wide collegial approach in the context of developing sustainable blended learning content in Anatomy. - Dr Petrus Antonius Usmanij
For providing innovative learning and teaching of real business context in capstone subject through experiential learning and real-life problem solving. - Dr Shirmila Dilhani Premaratna
For bridging theory and the real world through case studies that simulate real life disease scenarios to enhance the student learning experience in Animal Biosecurity.
La Trobe University Commendations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Julie Rudner
For transforming students into planning and urban design experts through Designing Children’s Environments. - Dr Megan Maher, Dr Jeff Yeoman, Dr Linda Ward, Deepti Varghese-Jose, Dr Marc Kvansakul and Dr Begoña Heras
For transforming the research program of the Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics through integration with Departmental research programs, aimed at improved student engagement and outcomes.
2017
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence
- Dr Louise Lexis and Dr Brianna Julien
For the transformation of a traditionally delivered exercise physiology module into a contemporary curriculum comprised of blended learning and laboratory-based inquiry oriented learning. - Dr Sarah Midford, Dr Sara James and Dr Quinn Eades
For best-practice blended curriculum design of interdisciplinary core subjects that support the success and retention of Bachelor of Arts students through active learning and cohort building.
La Trobe University Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Ross O'Shea and Dr Elly Djouma
For sustained excellence in the development and delivery of flexible and effective curricula in pharmacology that inspires student engagement and promotes independent learning. - Dr Phillip Edwards
For enhancing student participation and retention rates in an undergraduate Archaeology subject, leading to student success. - Dr Louise Lexis and Dr Brianna Julien
For the transformation of a traditionally delivered exercise physiology module into a contemporary curriculum comprised of blended learning and laboratory-based inquiry oriented learning. - Dr Sarah Midford, Dr Sara James and Dr Quinn Eades
For best-practice blended curriculum design of interdisciplinary core subjects that support the success and retention of Bachelor of Arts students through active learning and cohort building.
AAUT Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Bert De Groef, Dr Sylvia Grommen and Dr Peter Sale
For development of a flipped 1st year animal and agricultural sciences subject offering an engaging and authentic curriculum to different student cohorts. - Dr Deborah Jackson
For excellence in the development, teaching and leadership of the College-wide Maths Skills Program, which provides mathematics support for students.
2016
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence
- Dr Bert De Groef, Dr Sylvia Grommen and Dr Peter Sale
For development of a flipped 1st year animal and agricultural sciences subject offering an engaging and authentic curriculum to different student cohorts.
La Trobe University Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Belinda Abbott, Dr Peter Barnard, Dr Jason Dutton, Ms Mandeep Kaur, and Dr Evan Robertson
For transforming the laboratory experience for third year students. - Dr Bert De Groef, Dr Sylvia Grommen and Dr Peter Sale
For development of a flipped 1st year animal and agricultural sciences subject offering an engaging and authentic curriculum to different student cohorts. - Dr Eric Pardede
For developing innovative learning activities and assessments that engage student learning in an entrepreneurship subject for a large cohort of IT students. - Dr Rebecca Waese
For developing effective, dynamic and engaging approaches to collaborative and independent learning and creating a sense of cohort in a large first-year class
AAUT Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Rhiannon Evans and Ms Sarah Midford
For revitalising the study of ancient Rome by engaging and enthusing diverse student cohorts to explore the contemporary value of antiquity utilising accessible, digital and learner-centred resources. - Dr Sue Gillett
For implementing a regional, industry-partnership curriculum that embeds arts and communication subjects into festivals and exhibitions, providing students with experiential learning and developing work-ready employability. - Dr Suzane Vassallo
For transforming Orthoptic students' learning of optics through curriculum redesign grounded in Enquiry Based Learning and supported via authentic contemporary case studies and innovative multimedia.
2015
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence
- Dr Suzane Vassallo
For sustained commitment to innovation in the teaching of Orthoptics using peer assessment and case studies, resulting in outstanding improvements in indicators of student success and retention.
La Trobe University Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Mr Brendon Munge
For excellence in designing and facilitating student-centred learning pedagogies that overcome barriers to engagement, access and achievement in an undergraduate outdoor education program. - Dr Deborah Jackson
For excellence in the development, teaching and leadership of the College-wide Maths Skills Program, which provides mathematics support for students. - Dr Sarah Yang Spencer and Dr Nicholas Pawsey
For implementing a student‐centred approach to engaging cost accounting students and integrating graduate capability assessment into the classroom. - Dr Sue Gillett
For the development and implementation of an innovative creative industries partnership model of curriculum, embedding multidisciplinary arts subjects into unique cultural events in regional cities. - Dr Suzane Vassallo
For transforming Orthoptic students' learning of optics through curriculum design grounded in Enquiry Based Learning and supported via authentic contemporary case studies and innovative multimedia. - Dr Terri Meehan-Andrews
Positive effect of student response systems and course specific case studies for teaching a 'common' Pathophysiology subject. - Ms Diane Hughes, Ms Anita Zacharias, Mr Brett Allender and Assoc. Prof. Rodney Green
Innovative subject design in human Anatomy that provides flexible access to quality blended learning experiences and expanded degree offerings across multiple regional campuses.
AAUT Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Felicity Blackstock
For pioneering the integration of simulation based learning in physiotherapy education at a national level which motivates, inspires and enriches students' development of professional skills. - Dr Brianna Julien & Dr Louise Lexis
For developing a scaffolded capstone curriculum that supports physiology students to become scientists by using academic advisors, self-paced learning and authentic assessments in new ways.
2014
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence
- Dr Ralph Newmark
For facilitating experiential active learning through music and food to motivate students and enhance deeper understandings of issues and challenges in Latin American history.
La Trobe University Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Regina Belski
For creating an engaging, practice-oriented learning environment in nutrition and dietetics which inspires students to become self-reflective, independent, life-long learners. - Dr John Bevacqua
For engaging non-law students studying law subjects through developing imaginative online learning resources that motivate them to learn more and perform better. - Dr Mary Debrett & Dr Susan Lawler
For development of a unique, media-rich cross-disciplinary approach to online teaching, facilitating flexible, engaged, independent learning, as exemplified in the subject, Science in the Media. - Ms Nicole El Haber, Mr Greg Jamieson, Ms Swati Nagpal & Ms Elaine Plant
For the development and delivery of an innovative, multi-campus, first year subject using blended-learning technologies and resulting in high levels of student engagement and success. - Dr Brianna Julien & Dr Louise Lexis
The creation of an innovative capstone program in advanced human physiology that promotes discipline-specific research skills, team work skills, and scientific communication skills. - Dr Carol McKinstry
For establishing community engagement opportunities for occupational therapy students that develop graduate capabilities through working with secondary students from a refugee background. - Dr Rhiannon Evans & Ms Sarah Midford
For developing a high-quality student-directed learning experience in ancient world studies incorporating innovative resources and assessment as well as cutting-edge m-learning tools. - Dr Andrew Hahne, Ms Sally Sheppard & Dr Felicity Blackstock
For instituting a simulated professional conference aimed at enhancing independent learning and knowledge exchange among final-year physiotherapy students. - Dr Louise Ward & Ms Sinead Barry
For developing stARTalking, an innovative, effective program that enhances communication skills for undergraduate nursing students.
AAUT Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Dr Regina Belski
For creating an engaging, practice-oriented learning environment in nutrition and dietetics which inspires students to become self-reflective, independent, life-long learners. - La Trobe Learning & Research Services Team, Ms Fiona Salisbury, Ms Jenny Corbin, Ms Heather Hulett, Ms Sharon Karasmanis and Ms Tracy Robertson
For transforming undergraduate information literacy education through development of a coherent learning and teaching model that is adaptable and responsive to curriculum design across disciplines. - Dr Bret Stephenson
For improving student engagement in the first-year through the development, design and delivery of the highly innovative and effective First Year Seminar. - Dr Alistair Stewart
For innovative approaches to development of place-responsive pedagogy and curricula in the field of outdoor and environmental education.