Law academic named one of nation's top teachers

Tara Nichols

Dr Patricia Easteal will receive a 2008 Australian Award for University Teaching - Award for Teaching Excellence

26 November: Faculty of Law academic, Patricia Easteal, has been presented with the 2008 Australian Award for University Teaching for her innovative approach to legal education.

Dr Easteal was presented with the Award for Teaching Excellence along with 21 other university teachers across Australia at a formal ceremony held at Parliament House last night. 

Dr Easteal has developed and uses a "learner centred and research led" approach to engage her students. Her approach is based on an "action learning cycle" in which feedback and reflection lead to continuous improvements. This helps students understand the relationship between the law and the society in which it is practiced and builds their confidence and skills to exercise independent thought.

“I am thrilled about winning the $25,000 prize and meeting the Deputy Prime Minister from whom I  received the award at Parliament House,” she said. “The real benefit comes from the national recognition, which will give me the opportunity to present my learning methods around the country and hopefully have an impact both within and outside of the University.

“Having won a Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award and a Carrick Citation in 2007, based in large part on strong student support, the national teaching award seemed like the natural next step.

“I feel rewarded when students report that my classes have sparked their enthusiasm and challenged their ideas, which for some becomes the basis of life-long learning and growth.”