Three University of Adelaide academics – Associate Professor Michelle McArthur (School of Animal and Veterinary Science); Dr Thomas Wanner (School of Social Science); and Dr Walter Barbieri (School of Education) – have been named as top teachers in the 2023 Australian Awards for University Teaching.
Winners of the 2023 Australian Awards for University Teaching – Dr Thomas Wanner, Associate Professor Michelle McArthur, and Dr Walter Barbieri.
The winners were selected in a range of categories, but all support the development of more resilient and innovative university graduates through their outstanding contribution to student learning.
Addressing the high rate of stress, depression and mental illness in the veterinary profession, Associate Professor McArthur has pioneered and incorporated a wellbeing and communication skills program as part of the Veterinary Science degree at the University of Adelaide. Her award is in the category of Health.
A qualified clinical psychologist, she says her curriculum is designed to improve professional capacities including self-reflection, wellbeing strategies, and communication.
“Throughout their training, I try to ensure students develop crucial wellbeing and resilience skills,” she says.
Since developing this approach 10 years ago, her programs have been adopted across Australia and by colleagues around the world.
Awarded in the category of Society and Culture, Dr Thomas Wanner teaches in international development, a multidisciplinary field of research and practice concerned with human, economic, social, and political development in extremely poor countries.
“My aim is to develop my students’ critical thinking skills so that they understand how power relationships shape global issues and how they can become agents of change to build a more equitable and sustainable world,” he says.
“I believe teaching first-year courses is particularly important because I can help my students to develop the skills they need for academic success and life-long learning.”
Winner in the Early Career category, Dr Walter Barbieri says he is dedicated to equipping pre-service teachers to enter the workforce technologically adept and capable of taking advantage of the modern digitally connected classrooms, so much a part of the landscape of Australian schools.
The awards acknowledge innovation, but they also reflect the dedication and passion Michelle, Thomas and Walter have for their students and for their teaching practices and recognise the outstanding contributions all three make to the University community.Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Jennie Shaw
He created the University’s e-learning program which embeds the effective use of technology across all School of Education programs. He has also been recognised by Apple as a global exemplar of innovation in education, leading to the School being named the first tertiary Apple Distinguished School in Australia.
Congratulating the award winners University of Adelaide Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Jennie Shaw says the University is incredibly proud of their achievements.
“The awards acknowledge innovation, but they also reflect the dedication and passion Michelle, Thomas and Walter have for their students and for their teaching practices and recognise the outstanding contributions all three make to the University community,” Professor Shaw says.
