National citation awarded to UC academics
Tara Nichols
27 August:
Two University of Canberra lecturers were recently recognised by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council for their outstanding contributions to student learning.
Thomas Nielsen from the Faculty of Education and Greg Boland from the Faculty of Business and Government will also be awarded with University of Canberra Citations for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning during the University’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
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Business and government lecturer Mr Greg Boland, Pro Vice-Chancellor (education) Professor Carole Kayrooz and early childhood education lecturer Dr Thomas Nielsen with their Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citations |
Dr Nielsen was recognised for his imaginative and emotionally engaging methods of teaching and motivating pre-service teachers. Instead of presenting ‘dry theory’, he includes imaginative role-plays, metaphors, analogies and stories to his students to engage and motivate them on the less practical aspects of education.
“I create a positive learning environment that encourages students to open up to personal and emotional dimensions of learning,” Dr Nielsen said.
“My challenge, therefore, has been to motivate and inspire pre-service teachers to appreciate something that many would rather avoid and for which they see no need. I do this by associating educational theory with something that all humans have an innate need for such as fun, creativity and relevance.”
Mr Boland was recognised for his original approaches in preparing students for the workplace and engaging them in the field of business and government. He incorporates business mentors, workplace visits, ‘outreach’ programs and internships into his courses, Mr Boland prepares his students for the demands of today’s workplace by supporting and engaging them in their learning.
“I engage undergraduate and postgraduate students with local business and professional communities through work based learning and campus mentoring,” Mr Boland said.
“I bring the workplace to the campus and take my students to the workplace to engage them and advance their work readiness.”
Dr Nielsen and Mr Boland will be awarded with the University of Canberra Citations on the 12th of September at the staff award ceremony.
