Two academics from the University of Newcastle have been recognised for their teaching styles at the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT).
Established in 1997 by the Australian Government, AAUT honour and recognise excellence in university teaching.
Associate Professor Nancy Cushing and Associate Professor Myles Young have been awarded Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning which honour the diversity of contributions made by individuals and teams to the quality of student learning in higher education.
Associate Professor Nancy Cushing of the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Science (History) has been awarded a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for her work in citizen social science that has reshaped how students engage with the history of crime and justice in Australia.
Over three years, Nancy was part of a cross institutional collaboration with Dr Vicky Nagy (UTAS) and Dr Alana Piper (UTS) that invited more than 800 students to step into the role of real researchers, transcribing and analysing handwritten historical prison records. Nancy said the goal was to develop a practical assignment for a course on the history of crime.
“We had students transcribe historical prison records as a contribution to a research project funded by the Australian Research Council,” Nancy said.
“Having students tell me that this was their favourite assessment task ever, and that they told their friends and family all about it was ample reward for the work we put into setting it up. Also receiving this citation is the icing on the cake.”
By integrating research-based learning into the program students were given a rare opportunity to contribute directly to a major national research project.
Associate Professor Myles Young of the School of Science (Psychology) has been awarded a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for his evidence-based, human-centred teaching approach.
Myles’ psychology courses are among the highest-rated at the University of Newcastle, reflecting his commitment to authentic, practice-oriented learning that fosters a sense of belonging, builds confidence, and prepares students for their professional careers. He has significantly improved the educational experience for more than 1,500 psychology students and established himself as a leading educator within the university community.
Myles said it was a privilege to be a teacher.
“Over the years I’ve realised university is as much about helping students connect and grow as it is about specific learning outcomes,” Myles said.
“If I can help students leave the class with new knowledge, new friends, and a smile on their face, I’m confident I’m on the right track.”
IMAGE: Associate Professor Nancy Cushing and Associate Professor Myles Young have been awarded Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning at the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT).
