What does it take to win a learning and teaching award? In this series of Teche posts we showcase our award-winning educators and uncover the methods and approaches behind their award-winning practice.
The ALERT Team (Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment) from the Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences set a new benchmark in postgraduate education with their innovative blended learning program. By combining online curriculum delivery with in-person clinical skills training and assessment, the ALERT Team created a program that students describe as one of the best learning experiences of their careers.
The ALERT Team won a Learning and Teaching Innovation Award in the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Awards.
The team is committed to advancing education in lymphoedema care.
L->R top row: A/Prof Louise Koelmeyer, Dr Belinda Thompson, Robin Blumfield.
Middle row L->R: Prof Catherine Dean, Robbie Blackwell, A/Prof Kylie Gwynne, Fiona Tisdall-Blake.
Bottom row L->R: A/Prof Morwenna Kirwan, Matthew Robson, Chloe Szilas.
Key features of the award-winning curriculum:
The program’s success can be attributed to several key features that ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience:
- Flexible learning: The program is designed to allow students to balance their work, studies, and personal lives effectively. This flexibility is crucial for postgraduate students who often juggle multiple responsibilities.
- Microcredentialing: Upon completion, students receive a microcredential, enhancing their professional qualifications and recognition in the field.
- Interactive online modules: The curriculum includes a scaffolded suite of bespoke, interactive, and engaging online modules. This variety of media, engaging animations, chunked content, and knowledge checks throughout ensure an immersive learning experience.
- Clinical skills videos: The team created 35 clinical skills videos – filmed with real patients. These videos guide students through the performance of key clinical skills.
An approach that enhances learning outcomes
The blended approach led to significant positive outcomes:
- Preparedness: Students arrive at the in-person days already equipped with a solid theoretical understanding, allowing these sessions to focus on the development of practical skills.
- Personalised feedback: During in-person sessions, the skills videos are replayed on a large screen, enabling the educators to move around the room, observe the students practicing the key skills and provide personalised feedback. This approach ensures the development of safe and competent practitioners.
A creative award application
A unique aspect of the Vice Chancellor’s Innovation Award category is the requirement for the applicants to provide a video submission instead of a traditional paper-based or online form.
You can view the ALERT Team 3-minute video submission here to learn about the key features of their award-winning program redesign.
Are you (or your team) considering applying for an award in the future?
Start gathering your evidence now to be prepared for a future application for a Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.
- Read this post on 15 ways to evidence your teaching achievements at university.
- Set a reminder to order an LET survey next session and 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.
Acknowledgements:
Banner image: Supplied by Robin Blumfield
Post compiled by Kylie Coaldrake
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