Our success
AAUT award winners
2024 - AWARDS FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE
A/Prof Voula Gaganis, College of Medicine and Public Health
Flinders University Associate Professor Voula Gaganis is one of only four recipients of this year’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Voula has led the transformation of medical science education at Flinders University by replacing didactic pedagogy with active learning and collaborating with industry to co-create degrees that address dynamic workforce needs. A pharmacologist by training, teaching specialist, and educational researcher, Voula is the Teaching Program Director (Medical Biosciences) at the College of Medicine and Public Health (CMPH). She is nationally recognised as an award-winning leader in medical education, collaborating and leading multi-institutional research projects. An educator with over 20 years of experience, Voula has developed strategic industry links across the medical sciences sector to ensure degree curricula are embedded with work-integrated learning opportunities relevant to graduate employability. Her curriculum transformations positively impact student performance and satisfaction.
2024 - AWARDS FOR PROGRAMS THAT ENHANCE LEARNING
Dr David Hobbs, Dr Thomas Vincent, Dr Vlatka Zivotic-Kukolj, Mrs Nalini Klopp, Ms Kahlene Michalanney, Mrs Jessica Venning, Ms Sascha Lemon-Spence, Ms Larissa Pearce, Flinders University STEM Work Integrated Learning Program
The unique STEM Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program at Flinders University consistently delivers outstanding graduate employability, student learning and student satisfaction rates when compared statewide and nationally. This is despite being a smaller university based in South Australia, where employment rates are commonly the lowest nationally. Flinders’ unique WIL program immerses students in industry for up to 100 days, the longest undergraduate, core, credit-based placement in Australia. From small beginnings in 1994, the program’s success has led to sustained, planned expansion from approximately 20 undergraduate engineering students to over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate students across all STEM disciplines. This expansion of WIL as a core requirement into non-traditional areas such as mathematics is unique in its scope and design. The program has been highly commended by accrediting bodies on multiple occasions, labelled the gold standard nationally, received University awards, and local and international recognition. The program models every criterion for good practice in WIL identified in the literature, drawing on decades of established WIL knowledge and Flinders’ proud history in delivering quality WIL programs. The program is led by a unified team of Academics and Professional staff who engage closely with industry and provide student support throughout.
Dr Dusan Matusica, A/Prof Christine Barry, Prof Rainer Haberberger & Prof Helen Anscomb, Anatomy Assessment Design Team
For effective, authentic assessment strategies in a cadaveric dissection program that scaffold development of critical anatomical, clinical and professionalism skills for future medical practitioners.
Dr Luis Da Vinha, College of Business, Government and Law
Developing interactive video resources that foster engagement and active online learning using research-informed innovative design and strategically disseminating best practice knowledge, supporting curricula design.
A/Prof Christine Barry, College of Medicine and Public Health
Teaching anatomical foundations for clinical excellence: evidence-based approaches that overcome cognitive barriers, develop metacognitive awareness and inspire clinically oriented student learning.
Dr Voula Gaganis, College of Medicine and Public Health
Heeding the call to action: transforming didactic, anachronistic pedagogy to active learning across large medical science classes to improve student engagement, experience, and academic success.
Dr Masha Smallhorn, College of Science and Engineering
For improving student learning outcomes and engagement in large first-year cohorts in biological sciences through research-informed, inquiry-based learning practicals.
WIL in Sport: Dr Deb Agnew & A/Prof Shane Pill, College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
For Innovation, leadership and scholarship of an integrated model of international Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for Sport that has enhanced the student experience.
Environmental Health Team: A/Prof Kirstin Ross, Dr Harriet Whiley, Prof Howard Fallowfield, College of Science and Engineering
Engaging students with Environmental Health through creative curricula and accessible, industry informed, authentic learning experiences.
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South Australia 5042
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