Published by the Communications
and Development Department
18 November 2003
The University’s Teaching and Learning Committee has announced
the winners of the 2003 Teaching Awards.
Nine awards will be presented to staff at the December graduation
in recognition of their teaching achievements. The awardees are: Ms
Liz Ackerley (Mathematics and Statistics), Dr Philip Armstrong (English),
Dr Chris Connolly (History), Dr Juliet Gerrard (Biological Sciences),
Dr Matthew Hirshberg (Political Science and Communication), Dr Tanja
Mitrovic (Computer Science), Dr Bob Peffers (Management) and Professor
Steve Weaver (Geological Sciences).
Committee Chairman Dr John Freeman-Moir said that since their origins
in the 13th century, universities have been founded, first and foremost,
to teach students.
" Teaching excellence is what we aim at because it is excellence
in the very craft that is definitive of universities. A university
without teaching is an anathema.
" Teaching is an intricate art and there are some who think
that there is little that can be said about it. Not so. Each of the
awardees has written with knowledgeable insight about their teaching.
" It is a good thing for us all to see who are our outstanding
teachers and to congratulate them,” Dr Freeman-Moir said. “It
is also important for students to know that we hold teaching excellence
in the highest esteem. Students, after all, are crucial participants
in the teaching and learning endeavour."
The committee introduced the awards in 2001 to encourage and recognise
excellence in teaching achievement.
Any continuing member of the staff can be nominated. A short list
is selected and those listed are required to provide a brief statement
covering five aspects of teaching: vision, approach, methodology,
content and professional development. A final recommendation goes
to the Vice Chancellor.
For more information contact:
Dr John Freeman-Moir
School of Education
University of Canterbury
Christchurch
Ph 03 364 2261
Email john.freeman-moir@canterbury.ac.nz
