RMIT lecturers recognised for excellence in learning and teaching

Tiếng Việt

RMIT lecturers recognised for excellence in learning and teaching

The RMIT Vietnam Excellence in Learning and Teaching Awards recognise members of the University’s teaching community who have demonstrated a commitment to student learning and achieved outstanding results.

These awards are based on global selection criteria and elevate the visibility of educators through categories based around student learning, innovation, teaching excellence, sustainability, impact and collaboration.

This year, two awardees were recognised for two categories: Teaching Innovation and Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

School of Communication & Design (SCD) Digital Media Program Manager and Senior Lecturer Martin Constable was presented with an award for Teaching Innovation, following the successful implementation and sustainability of a scholarly, systematic and reflective teaching practice.

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School of Communication & Design (SCD) Digital Media Program Manager and Senior Lecturer Martin Constable accepting the award.

Part of this recognition included acknowledging an exceptional student response to learning about 3D modelling during the COVID–19 crisis in his classes, and his commitment to the professional development of staff.

"Continuing to find innovative teaching practices is important to me to ensure I don’t get bored in my job, and to keep up with the world as it moves under our feet,” Mr Constable said.

While accepting the award, Mr Constable expressed his gratitude to the team of digital media lecturers, his fellow RMIT managers, SCD Dean Professor Julia Gaimster, and all his students.

“This award recognises the work I have put into our school. My advice for all staff is to go for it. If at first you don’t succeed, have another go,” he said.

The second award was presented to School of Business & Management (SBM) Lecturer Scott McDonald for his outstanding contributions to student learning.

During his five years teaching at RMIT Vietnam, Dr McDonald has demonstrated a continued dedication to creating inspiring experiences that prepare business students for life outside RMIT.

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School of Business & Management (SBM) Lecturer Scott McDonald delivering his acceptance speech.

His contributions to authentic assessments were highlighted, particularly his efforts to challenge students to solve real world problems with industry experts, his “YOU belong here” initiative and his work with students requiring equitable learning services.

“I like to bring an element of the real world into my classrooms and teach my students to be self-reliant and resolve conflicts themselves, to prepare them for the challenges outside university. I don’t want to prepare them for a job. I want to prepare them for a career,” said Dr McDonald.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me because it confirms what I have believed all along: that I am doing what’s best for our students and providing reasons for these students to recommend RMIT to other friends or family, which is good for the University.”

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The RMIT Excellence in Learning and Teaching Awards recipients, Dr Scott McDonald and Mr Martin Constable

The RMIT Vietnam Excellence in Learning and Teaching Awards provide one avenue for teachers to be formally recognised, said RMIT Director of Academic and Student Services Glen O’Grady.

“Not winning this award does not mean your teaching is not deserving of recognition,” he said.

“There are many ways apart from these awards to be recognised and acknowledged through the high levels of professionalism shown by our teachers.”

The awards ceremony also acknowledged SBM Lecturer Dr Greeni Maheshwari for achieving the RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education’s Award for Teaching Innovation last month. The award highlighted her excellence in the areas of curriculum design, assessment, influencing student learning, innovation and scholarship for teaching, as well as her commitment to RMIT students and the University.

Story: Ananya Mangwani

Communication and design

Business and management

23 November 2020