Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo

Chalking it up to experience

19 August 2009

Associate Professor David Paganin.

Associate Professor David Paganin from the School of Physics within the Faculty of Science has spent his entire career researching the laws of physics.

While his very successful research career is dotted with noteworthy breakthroughs on complex topics, it is still his uncomplicated old-fashioned blackboard that he retreats to when it comes to teaching the next generation about science.

"I love the 'solid state technology' of blackboards for the flexibility and freedom that they offer," Associate Professor Paganin said.

"Blackboards also let me tailor my particular development to suit the particular class, and quickly adapt the material where necessary in order to best answer questions that students ask along the way."

His teaching methods don't fit the traditional physics mold, but it is this left-of-centre approach to teaching, driven by his passion for seeing students succeed, that has seen him awarded with an Australian Learning Teachers Council citation.

"I strive to weave the particular topics I teach into the wider fabric of physics and science as a whole, to foster scientific creativity and curiosity in my students and help catalyse them to become creative and confident problem solvers," he said.

Idealistic perhaps, but Professor Paganin also has a realistic approach to the role his lessons play in his graduates' futures.

"A university course has done its job if it ultimately makes itself superfluous. At the end of the course the students should be independent and proud learners who no longer need specific university courses in order to further their lifelong learning," Associate Professor Paganin said.

He said it didn't seem that long ago that he was sitting on the other side of the lectern. The advice he offers his fellow teachers is to "Listen to the students and always remember that it is a real privilege and responsibility to teach," Associate Professor Paganin said.