Melbourne Graduate School of Education Centre for the Study of Higher Education

Australian Awards for University Teaching

The Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) are responsible for the administration of the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT). There are three award types available. The University of Melbourne Selection Committee chooses nominees for the AAUT through the internal teaching and excellence awards process.

University of Melbourne staff can use their university award application to be considered for nomination by the University for the AAUT round. The 2009 Application Cover Sheet should be used to indicate an Expression of Interest (EOI) in any of the three award types.

The three award types are:

University staff may elect to submit an EOI for Citation nomination without applying for a university award. University staff who choose to do this should consult the Citations Guidelines. An application cover sheet is essential. University staff must generally submit an application for a university award to be considered for nomination in either the Awards for Teaching Excellence or the Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning. Previous university award recipients who wish to submit an EOI for a national award should contact Claire Jennings.

Which national award should I submit an EOI for?
While University of Melbourne staff can use their university award application to submit an EOI for any national award, we encourage applicants to consider which award type is most suitable for their achievements in learning and teaching.

Citations & Awards for Teaching Excellence:
These two award types have the same selection criteria. The main differences are:

We suggest that potential applicants review the selection criteria and assess whether they are able to provide strong evidence in all five criteria (suitable for a Teaching Excellence EOI), or have strengths in one or two criteria (suitable for a Citation EOI). Applicants may submit an EOI for both an Award for Teaching Excellence and a Citation if they wish. Nomination for a Citation will not impact on the likelihood of a nomination for a national teaching excellence award.

The five selection criteria are:

  1. Approaches to the support of learning and teaching that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn
  2. Development of curricula, resources and services that reflect a command of the field
  3. Approaches to assessment, feedback and learning support that foster independent learning
  4. Respect and support for the development of students as individuals
  5. Scholarly activities and service innovations that have influenced and enhanced learning and teaching

Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning
Norman Curry Program Award applications are automatically considered for nomination for an Award for Programs that Enhance Learning. However, Norman Curry Award applicants may wish to consider submitting an EOI for a Citation nomination, if the applicant/s believe that they can address one or two of the selection criteria listed above. Nomination for a Citation will not impact on the likelihood of a nomination for a national program award.

 

Citations for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (210 awards of $10,000)

Citations are awarded to academic, professional and sessional staff, and institutional associates, who have made significant contributions to student learning in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period.

Individual and team applications are welcome.

Essential Documentation for applicants
Guidelines - Citation only applicants
Application Cover Sheet (also available in Word)

Please note that applications for this award must be submitted directly to the University. Please contact Claire Jennings for further information.

 

Awards for Teaching Excellence (27 awards of $25,000)

The recipients of these awards are recognised as Australia’s foremost teachers in higher education.
One winner from this group is selected to receive the Prime Minister’s Award for Australian University Teacher of the Year ($50,000). The University may nominate up to eight individuals or teams for an award from one of eight categories. More than one nominee can be nominated in a category. The categories are:

 

Essential documentation for applicants
Guidelines
Application Cover Sheet (Also available in Word)
Please note that applications for this award must be submitted directly to the University. Please contact Claire Jennings for further information.

 

Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning (14 awards of $25,000)

Program award winners are acknowledged for exemplary learning and teaching support programs and services that improve student learning and enhance the student experience. Evidence of the effectiveness of these programs is necessary. The University may nominate no more than one program or service for an award in the following seven categories:

Please note that applications for this award must be submitted directly to the University.  Please contact Claire Jennings for further information.

Essential documentation for applicants
Guidelines
Application Cover Sheet (Also available in Word)

Career Achievement Award (Occasional Award)
The ALTC selects an individual for this award who has made an outstanding contribution to higher education during their career. The individual’s contributions to teaching and learning are widely recognised by the sector.

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