Canterbury University lecturer honoured for pushing students hard

Published by the Communications and Development Department

 

24 June 2004

 

A University of Canterbury lecturer who describes herself as a “learning coach” has been honoured at this year’s Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards.

 

Juliet Gerrard (Biological Sciences) was presented with the Sustained Excellence prize at a dinner last night in Parliament’s Grand Hall, hosted by the Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary), Steve Maharey.

 

The prize of $20,000 will fund activities or initiatives which will enhance Dr Gerrard’s teaching career and promote best practice.

 

She has been recognised for challenging and exciting students and, as she puts it, coaxing them out of their comfort zones.

 

“I believe that the point when they leave this comfort zone is where they learn the most.

 

“I try and engender a sense that each student is part of a scholarly community that asks valid questions and challenges existing paradigms.”

 

Canterbury University Vice-Chancellor, Roy Sharp, was in Wellington for last night’s awards function, which came the night after Canterbury dominated the prize list at the MacDiarmid Young Scientists Awards in Auckland.

 

The annual Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards were established by the Government in 2001 to recognise outstanding tertiary teachers from all publicly funded institutions and private training organisations.

 

Organisers say teachers are judged on their commitment, knowledge, enthusiasm and ability to stimulate students.

For further information please contact:

John MacDonald
Communications Manager
University of Canterbury

Tel: +64-3-364 2910
Fax: +64-3-364 2679
Mob: +64-27-441 7280
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz