This post is co-authored by Annette Dowd and Lucy Blakemore.
As we prepare for applications to the second annual T&L awards in the mathematical, chemical, forensic and physical sciences, we recognise two more successful nominations here.
In applying for these awards MAPS staff are encouraged to:
- consciously reflect on the many examples of excellent and innovative practice in our school,
- collect different forms of data of the impact of their practice, and
- plan future evidence-based improvements in their practice.
In Part 1, we featured Matthew Arnold (Physics) and Murray Elder (Mathematics); Part 2 shares the work of Georgina Meakin (Forensic Science) and Morgan Alonzo (Chemistry) – read more about their nominations below.
Georgina Meakin – Senior Lecturer, Forensic Science
Georgina Meakin‘s nomination of Applying casework experience and blended learning to forensic science teaching was awarded a commendation under the criterion of ‘Developing Curricula, Resources or Services that Reflect a Command of the Field’. The judges noted that Georgina’s nomination stood out for:
[an] outstanding approach to developing and presenting coherent and imaginative resources for student learning and contributing [her] professional expertise to enhance curriculum.
Hear more from Georgina below:
What impact did your work have on student learning, engagement, or experience?
Much of the subject redevelopment I’ve undertaken over the last few years has focussed on employing asynchronous and/or blended learning to improve student engagement with key materials and help them prepare for their on-campus crime scene or laboratory practicals. This has helped students better understand what they need to do during those practicals, so that they can not only succeed in the subjects, but also gain the skills required to work in forensic science.
Which aspect(s) of the work are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the online materials I have developed using H5P in Canvas to help students engage with the material. For example, in Homicide Investigation, this enabled me to provide annotated videos from an actual homicide scene to give students experience of a real case that would not be possible in person.
What impact did this work have on you, personally?
I’ve learnt new skills through the redevelopment of my subjects, in particular learning how to use H5P in Canvas to develop a range of activities to help increase engagement and improve experience for the students. Receiving positive comments on these activities and seeing that the students are benefiting from them is a great feeling!
Can you share any advice for colleagues who may be considering submitting for an award this year?
It takes a lot longer than you think to prepare the application! And make sure you consider a range of evidence to support your application, not just SFS scores.
Morgan Alonzo – Lecturer, Chemistry
Morgan Alonzo‘s nomination of Sustaining a positive student experience through online asynchronous learning won the Early Career Award under the criterion of ‘Innovation or Leadership that has Influenced and Enhanced Learning and Teaching and/or Student Experience’.
The judges noted in particular that:
[Morgan’s] outstanding approach to coordination, management, leadership and support for students in different contexts including technology enhanced environments was both innovative and successful in its application in a large class setting. […] The evident leadership, creative approach to flipping this complex practical class content and skills-based learning to online is remarkable.
Morgan’s approach was based on a standard online approach to curating content, but the judges were most impressed with how she put this together in such a short time, and her use of multiple educational tech solutions and standard and non-standard online teaching approaches to create more than just an equivalent ‘practical class’ experience in response to the pandemic.
Consider applying for an award in 2023
The MAPS Teaching and Learning Awards seek to recognise the breadth of activities that contribute to students’ learning and experiences within and outside their courses with MAPS. Winning contributions go beyond normal good practice to display sensitivity to students’ needs and make well informed, distinctive and sustained contributions to students’ learning, student engagement and the student experience at UTS.
To find out more about this year’s awards and how to apply, please contact Associate Head of School, Annette Dowd.