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Award for 'innovative' teaching of criminology

April 04, 2006

JScottAwd.thumb.JPGDr John Scott, who teaches one of The University of New England’s most popular units – "Criminology" – has won the University’s major award for teaching excellence.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Pettigrew, presented Dr Scott with a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching during the graduation ceremony for the University’s Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences last Saturday. (Professor Pettigrew, left, and Dr Scott are pictured here after the ceremony.)

Dr Scott, who also teaches another popular unit – "The Australian Criminal Justice System" – has been a lecturer in UNE’s School of Social Science since 2001.

In presenting the award, Professor Pettigrew said Dr Scott’s “innovative and interactive approach clearly motivates and inspires his students”. “In particular,” he continued, “his use of problem scenarios relating to crime and crime prevention issues requires students to engage actively with the material and to think deeply in ways that promote high-quality learning.” Professor Pettigrew then drew attention to Dr Scott’s “use of current events as contexts for learning, ensuring that his students are aware of the direct relevance of the material, and giving them every opportunity to relate it to their lives”.

Dr Scott confirmed that his use of criminal cases currently in the media had proved an effective way of engaging students in the subject. “Criminology as we teach it, however, is not about profiling serial killers,” he explained, “but about more general questions such as crime rates and prevention policies.” He added that UNE had developed a particular expertise in research and teaching on rural crime, with recognised experts in this field in the University’s School of Law and Institute for Rural Futures as well as in the School of Social Science.

Professor Pettigrew praised Dr Scott for his “intelligent use of a range of information technologies” that “ensures that all students are able to participate fully, regardless of their enrolment mode or location”. “Students are able to access information and support on demand via discussion boards, chat rooms and voice mail,” he continued. “Online tutorials provide interactive learning for distance students. Dr Scott’s excellent personal communication style ensures rapid feedback to all participants. Students consistently report feeling valued and supported as individuals.”

The "Criminology" unit at UNE was one of Australia’s first university units on this subject to include elements of online teaching. “We’ve been willing to be innovative,” Dr Scott commented.

Last Saturday’s graduation ceremony was the second of four this Autumn. The remaining two ceremonies will be on Friday 7 April (the Sciences and Health) and Saturday 8 April (Education and Professional Studies).

Posted by Jim Scanlan at April 4, 2006 03:11 PM