What does it take to win a learning and teaching award? In this series of Teche posts we showcase our award-winning teachers and uncover the methods and approaches behind their award-winning practice.
Richard Garner, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, teaches mathematics to large cohorts of engineering and computing students in the units MATH2055 and MATH1007. The starting point for his teaching is to identify a problem that is relevant and valuable to students and then explain how mathematics could be used to solve it.
Richard won a Student Nominated Award in the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Awards.
I like to provide an authentic experience of how mathematics is done, with the problem as a source of creative friction which gives rise to the mathematics that resolves it. Students learn not only the ‘how’ of mathematics but also the ‘why’ and are inspired to apply a mathematical approach to other problems they encounter.
Prioritising the learner experience
Richard is known for his clear and engaging explanations of content, his excellent communication skills and responsiveness to student needs. Here are some of his key strategies to support students to succeed:
- Create and maintain a clear and organised iLearn layout (following the MQ’s online learning standards).
- Ensure all necessary information for students is accessible in multiple formats.
- Use fonts, layout, diagrams and colour to make slides and notes inviting and informative, balancing clarity, comprehensiveness and conciseness.
- Include visual representations and clear explanations of difficult concepts.
- Link lecture materials to real world examples.
- Clarify what students are required to do each week.
- Clearly articulate the criteria for overall success in the unit.
- Be responsive in discussion forums.
I strive to create a safe space for learning where students are encouraged to ask questions in whatever form is most comfortable for them. Every question is treated with respect and kindness, and replying to them is my highest priority.
View example learning resources
Take a look at the iLearn site for MATH1007 to see how it’s organised.
Points to note:
- Every week has a list of what students need to do that week.
- Every task has a corresponding subheading with learning materials.
- Information is repeated everywhere it might be logical to look for it.
- Time-sensitive “banners” are located at the top with current information.
View a video illustrating Richard’s teaching approach (where he explains the concept of ‘convolution’).
Points to note:
- The video outlines the plan for the lesson and signposts what’s coming next.
- A down-to-earth problem is introduced with examples to motive and spark interest in the new content.
- The applications of the content are made clear.
- Examples are worked through live with the students.
- The teacher talks through their thought process in approaching the problem.
Inspiring students with enthusiasm
For Richard, mathematics is not just about tools and techniques; it’s also a way of seeing the world. He finds the idea of resolving an authentic problem through mathematics immensely fun. This enthusiasm shines through in his lectures where, according to a student, Richard is “bright, bubbly and engaging” and his “knowledge and love of mathematics is clear”. As an educator, Richard seeks to inspire even the less mathematically inclined students to succeed.
I endeavor to convey that mathematics is not “all done” but is a living discipline. For example, when teaching multivariable calculus, I explain how it underpins modern AI via deep neural networks. The goal is not to overwhelm students but to show how far mathematical tools can take them.
What his students say..
“Richard… was able to… make me think about how the world of math interacts with the real world and problem solving as a tool”.
“His explanations are short yet extremely clear which makes learning difficult and complex concepts a lot easier!”
“Richard’s classes provided the best clarity – both for explanations of concepts and for presentation layout (visual) – in my university experience”.
“I just wanted to say this subject is so well designed and delivered that it deserves a shout out”.
Are you considering applying for an award in the future?
Start gathering your evidence now so you will be ready to apply for a Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in the future.
- Read this post on 15 ways to evidence your teaching achievements at university.
- View these resources for informal evaluation of teaching – Explore other approaches to collecting feedback from students and peers
- Set a reminder to order an LET survey next session to gather student feedback on your teaching.
- Read about our other award winning teachers
- Visit the Awards for Excellence in Education site for details of awards and guidance on writing an award application.
Banner Image: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Post compiled by Kylie Coaldrake
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