Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award 2025-26

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award 2025-26. The awards recognise Faculty members’ dedication to teaching excellence, student learning, and curriculum innovation.

Dr Elizabeth Barrett, Assistant Dean (Learning & Teaching), Senior Lecturer of the Academic Unit of Human Communication, Learning, and Development, was honoured with the Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award. Dr Barrett’s teaching philosophy focuses on developing students’ professional judgement through evidence-informed, collaborative, reflective, and resilient learning experiences. Her contributions reflect sustained excellence in curriculum design and pedagogical innovation across speech-language pathology, early childhood education, and research postgraduate education. Her work in interprofessional education, authentic assessment, evidence-informed pedagogy, and the “Curriculum as Care” approach has empowered students to grow into reflective and responsible professionals who are equipped to navigate complex practice contexts. Through her leadership in curriculum development, educational scholarship, and mentoring, Dr Barrett has contributed significantly to the Faculty and wider community.

Professor Stephanie Chan, Assistant Professor of the Academic Unit of Human Communication, Learning, and Development, received the Faculty Early Career Teaching Award. Professor Chan’s teaching is shaped by her Multiple Perspectives Experiential Approach, which supports students in connecting conceptual knowledge with professional practice through authentic and engaging learning experiences. Drawing on constructivist learning principles and Variation Theory, she encourages students to learn through the perspectives of learners, teachers, practitioners, and researchers. Her creative use of experiential learning, authentic assessment, and structured reflection has strengthened student engagement and promoted deeper understanding, while her commitment to educational scholarship and continuous curriculum enhancement demonstrates considerable potential for leadership in teaching and learning.

Ms Vivien Lee, Assistant Lecturer of the Academic Unit of Language and Literacy Education, also received the Faculty Early Career Teaching Award. Ms Lee’s teaching is guided by the HOPE framework: Hands-on Experience, Ownership, Partnership, and an Ever-growing mindset. Through experiential learning initiatives, community partnerships, and student-as-partner approaches, she encourages students to become active learners and to see themselves as future educators with the capacity to create positive change. Her teaching brings together innovation, reflection, and authentic engagement with real-world educational challenges, enabling students to develop agency, confidence, and professional purpose. Her contributions demonstrate a strong commitment to learner-centred education and potential for future leadership in teaching excellence.

Congratulations to all the awardees on their outstanding contributions to teaching and learning!