Curtin Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning

How to apply for an award for Programs that Enhance Learning Award

There are seven award categories:

The first-year experience
encompassing the academic and social transition to higher education, teaching and learning within large student groups, and the quality of the first year student experience
Postgraduate education
encompassing programs that focus on postgraduate students, postgraduate coursework teaching and learning, postgraduate research supervision and research higher degree candidature, and postgraduate learning support
Assessment and feedback
encompassing assessment initiatives that encourage students to develop and demonstrate higher-order skills and attitudes such as academic independence, ethical practices and values, and critical thinking
Innovation in curricula, learning and teaching
encompassing innovations that encourage novel approaches to learning and teaching, innovations that encourage or support multidisciplinarity, research-based learning and teaching approaches, innovations that utilise the potential of new and/or emerging technologies
Flexible learning and teaching
encompassing approaches to learning and teaching that afford flexibility in time, place and/or mode of learning
Services supporting student learning
encompassing services directly related to student learning such as services for specific groups of students, information access, course advising, language and learning support, counselling and disability support
Educational partnerships and collaborations with other organisations
encompassing partnerships between universities, and universities and other organisations - such as schools, professional bodies businesses and industries - in collaborative approaches to learning and teaching

1.	Select the appropriate award category.
2.	Complete the Nomination Form.
3.	Complete the Written Statement. The core element of a nomination for an Award for Programs that Enhance Learning is a written statement which describes the program, and specifically addresses each of the four *selection criteria.* The written statement should be presented under the following five headings, in order. Synopsis Selection criteria Distinctiveness, coherence and clarity of purpose Influence on student learning Breadth of impact Concern for equity and diversity The written statement is limited to a a maximum of 12 A4 pages. All pages in excess of 12 will be removed.
4.	Provide two References Two references, of no more than one A4 page each, must be provided by people who are able to comment on the nominee's program against the selection criteria. One of the referees must be the Head of the nominee's Faculty or Department or School. If the nomination is from a team, the references should apply to the team.
5.	Presentation Requirements Paper should be A4 plain white Margins should be at least 2 cm with clear paragraph definition. The minimum acceptable font size is 11 point. A font such as Times New Roman or Arial is strongly recommended. No supplementary materials should be included. Photos and/or pictures should fit within the 12-page statement limit. Submissions should be corner-stapled and unbound.
6.	Fourteen (14) copies of all the documents (Nomination Form, Written Statement, Curriculum Vitae and References) should reach Megan Ellis, Office of Teaching and Learning, Building 105 Room 126, Bentley Campus by 5.00 pm on 27 July 2009.
7.	The Curtin EIT Awards Committee selects the Curtin EIT Award winners.
8.	In September 2009 the Vice Chancellor will announce the Curtin EIT Award winners. Each Award winner will receive $3,000 and a signed certificate from the Vice Chancellor.

Information and assistance

The Curtin EIT Awards Committee is chaired by Professor Robyn Quin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education, with representation from all Faculty Teaching and Learning Committees, the Student Guild and previous award winners.

Further information on the 2009 Curtin EIT Awards, and assistance with the preparation of the requisite documentation, is available from your Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee, Dr Allan Goody or Megan Ellis. Applicants should also refer to the Tips for Completing Teaching Award Applications.