Higher Education Research Group

Office for Learning and Teaching Citations

for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning

To be eligible to apply for an Office for Learning and Teaching Citation you must be nominated by the University panel.

The Learning Research and Evaluation team within Deakin Learning Futures will provide assistance at every stage of the awards process, including; providing a mentor, peer review of your written statement, proof reading, timely advice regarding milestones and deadlines, final document formatting, upload to OLT and general support to make the process as streamlined as possible.

Following is the information that was provided to the 2012 citation nominees, you may find it useful in understanding the application requirements.

Application requirements

Your application must demonstrate influence on student learning, engagement or experience; recognition from fellow staff, Deakin or the wider community; and a sustained contribution and must address one (maximum two) of five selection criteria.

The application comprises:

  • Citations nomination form, sign and return to the Institutional Contact Officer, who will arrange endorsement by the Vice-Chancellor
  • a four-page statement incorporating a Citation of up to 25 words (fewer words is preferable) which summarises your unique contribution plus responses to a maximum of two selection criteria.
  • a 100 word synopsis written in the third person, which includes the 25 word (or fewer) Citation
  • two supporting references of no more than one A4 page each, one of which must be from your Dean/Divisional/Departmental Head or Head of School
  • a high quality colour head and shoulder photo of 10 cm x 10 cm, 300 dpi resolution in JPEG format, taken against a white background (a member of the Awards team will arrange this).

The selection criteria are:

  • approaches to the support of learning and teaching that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn
  • development of curricula, resources and services that reflect a command of the field
  • approaches to assessment, feedback and learning support that foster independent learning
  • respect and support for the development of students as individual
  • scholarly activities and service innovations that have influenced and enhanced learning and teaching.

Nominations are assessed against the selected criteria on the extent to which they evidence in the written statement that the nominee’s contribution has:

  • influenced student learning, student engagement or the overall student experience
  • gained recognition from fellow staff, the University and/or the broader community
  • been sustained over time. (Early Career category available)

Evidence to support your claim should combine qualitative and quantitative data. Evidence should be in context wherever possible. For example, when referring to SETU or similar data, include the number of responses and cohort size in the data you report and provide results over a sufficient period to demonstrate sustained achievement and any positive trends. Solicited and unsolicited student testimonials can be very persuasive when included judiciously but, again, need to be contextualised.

Peer recognition of your contribution within and outside Deakin can also help substantiate your claim. This may include awards and grants; conference and professional development invitations; invitations to join teaching and learning committees; teaching and learning publications and media coverage.

Careful thought should be given to your choice of referees. A reference from an external expert can substantiate an application. The institutional ranking panel may consider references when determining institutional ranking of Citations nominations. You may find this diagram of evidence sources (263 KB) useful.

Your mentor can advise you about the structure of the application, including which criteria you may wish to address, and the type and form of evidence that can be used to support claims.

KEY DATES

Deakin University acknowledges the traditional land owners of present campus sites.

29th August 2012