ANU Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence

For individual academic staff, or teams of academic staff

Teaching Awards celebrate the ANU's most outstanding university teachers in their fields. Teaching Awards give recognition to teachers (individuals and teams) renowned for the excellence of their teaching, who have outstanding presentation skills and who have made a broad and deep contribution to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in the ANU.

Eligibility Criteria

1. All academic staff at The Australian National University can be nominated: full-time or fractional; continuing, sessional or contract. Staff should have been employed at the ANU for at least 2 years, as evidence of a sustained contribution is required. The nominee must also be a member of academic staff at the ANU during the period of the Award Committee's deliberations and decision.

2. Both individual and team nominations are encouraged. Teams may be of any size, however nominations may name no more than five members.

3. Previously unsuccessful Teaching Award nominees are eligible for renomination.

4. Previous Award winners are ineligible for renomination within 6 years except if they are a member of a team and the not the lead applicant. Any team nomination including a previous winner should be for teaching or programs that do not substantially replicate the original award or program. Awards for the ANU Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Excellence and Citations for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning are distinct award types. Nomination for, or receipt of, a Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning does not affect eligibility for nomination for an Award for Teaching Excellence. However, recipients of a Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence are not eligible to apply for a Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning.

Selection Criteria

All applications for the Awards for Teaching Excellence will be assessed on evidence they provide in relation to the following five criteria. These criteria will be given equal consideration by the Selection Committee.

1.  Approaches to teaching that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn

Which may include: fostering student development by stimulating curiosity and independence in learning; contributing to the development of students‟ critical thinking skills, analytical skills and scholarly values; encouraging student engagement through the enthusiasm shown for learning and teaching; inspiring and motivating students through high-level communication, presentation and interpersonal skills

2.  Development of curricula and resources that reflect a command of the field

Which may include: developing and presenting coherent and imaginative resources for student learning; implementing research-led approaches to learning and teaching; demonstrating up-to-date knowledge of the field of study in the design of the curriculum and the creation of resources for learning; communicating clear objectives and expectations for student learning

3.  Approaches to assessment and feedback that foster independent learning

Which may include: integrating assessment strategies with the specific aims and objectives for student learning; providing timely, worthwhile feedback to students on their learning; using a variety of assessment and feedback strategies; implementing both formative and summative assessment; adapting assessment methods to different contexts and diverse student needs

4.  Respect and support for the development of students as individuals

Which may include: participating in the effective and empathetic guidance and advising of students; assisting students from equity and other demographic subgroups to participate and achieve success in their courses; influencing the overall academic, social and cultural experience of higher education

5.  Scholarly activities that have influenced and enhanced learning and teaching

Which may include: showing advanced skills in evaluation and reflective practice; participating in and contributing to professional activities related to learning and teaching; coordination, management and leadership of courses and student learning; conducting and publishing research related to teaching; demonstrating leadership through activities that have broad influence on the profession

Applying for an Award for Teaching Excellence

The ANU Committee for Awards for Excellence in Education invites nominees to submit a Portfolio consisting of specified documentation. Portfolios will be assessed by the Committee on evidence provided in relation to the five selection criteria. Each selection criteria will be given equal consideration by the selection committee.

The selection committee will take into account:

• the extent to which the claims for excellence are supported by formal and informal evaluation;
• the extent of creativity, imagination or innovation, irrespective of whether the approach involves traditional learning environments or technology-based developments; and
• the information contained in student evaluations, references and the description of teaching materials and activities submitted by the nominee. The Committee may contact nominees and/or referees for clarification or further information.
• a sustained contribution (ie evidence of good teaching for more than two years).

Portfolio information