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Monash rewards teaching excellence

8 February 2006

Five Monash staff members have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to teaching in the annual Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Excellence.

Dr Teoh Kok Soo.

Distinguished Teaching Awards were presented to Mrs Nell Kimberley, academic staff member and Program Manager for the Master of Management; Associate Professor Peter Reed, Director of Master of Business Administration Operations; Dr Zane Ma Rhea, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education; and Dr Teoh Kok Soo, Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering.

Dr Teoh, from Monash's Malaysia campus, said he considered receiving the award to be a professional achievement.

"Awards such as the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence raise the standard of professionalism in teaching, which leads to excellent student-learning outcomes," he said.

Dr Zane Ma Rhea.

Dr Ma Rhea, who is involved with undergraduate and postgraduate programs, was also pleased to receive the award.

She teaches the ‘Indigenous and traditional education in a global world' unit to undergraduate students who want to learn about teaching Indigenous students and a Master in Organisational Leadership to postgraduate students.

"I try to create a teaching and learning space that is culturally safe and hope that one day more Indigenous people will take up the profession of teaching through the courses we offer at Monash," Dr Ma Rhea said.

"With my postgraduate students -- many of who are senior people in middle management roles -- I teach how to translate what they do at work into theory, research and critical thinking so they can succeed academically and are also able to apply what they learn."

The Postgraduate Supervision Award was awarded to Professor Leone Spiccia, the Deputy Head of the School of Chemistry.

Professor Leone Spiccia.

Professor Spiccia, who supervises 12 doctor of philosophy and masters students, said he was honoured to have been nominated by his students.

"In addition to advising students on their research, I think it is important to understand their welfare and be aware of any problems they might be experiencing -- whether personally or academically," he said.

"I spend time with my students on an informal and formal basis, and we often organise social gatherings to build team morale.

"Students also appreciate assistance developing contacts and securing employment upon completion of their studies."

The winners each received a medallion, a permanent citation in the Monash University Calendar and a $5000 grant.