Swinburne educator excellence recognised in Australian Awards for University Teaching

The Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) are presented by Universities Australia to celebrate and reward excellence in university teaching and are highly regarded recognition for university educators.

In the recently announced 2024 AAUT awards, four Swinburne educators from the School of Health Sciences were recognised for outstanding contributions to student learning. 

Distinguished Professor James Ogloff AM, Dean, School of Health Sciences said “Congratulations to our outstanding nominees on receiving citations for the 2024 AAUT Awards. Dr Kwa’s approach to work-integrated learning and professional identity creation has empowered students to excel in their careers. Associate Professor Xiao’s visionary human anatomy curriculum and use of multi-modal digital learning have transformed the way students engage with complex concepts. Dr Mackelprang and Dr Williams have led the way in fostering digital literacy through innovative assessment strategies, giving our students the skills they need to thrive in the digital age. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and grateful for the positive influence you have on our students and the broader academic community.”

Empowering Health Science students to thrive in a professional environment

Led by Dr Faith Kwa, the Scaffolded Work Integrated Learning and Industry Engagement Model (SWIM), is an innovative program empowering Health Science students at Swinburne to develop professional identity, build social intelligence and improve workforce readiness. 

The project integrates Work Integrated Learning into the curriculum using a non-placement approach, with students engaging with industry partners through assessments that address real-world research problems. The model enhances students' employability by fostering skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and effective communication. 

By supporting students as they work directly with industry, the SWIM program prepares students for future careers while strengthening engagement and success in their studies. The positive impact of the SWIM program is evident in high student satisfaction scores and recognition from industry partners, who have praised the program for its production of work-ready graduates.

Dr Faith Kwa

Dr Faith Kwa is a Senior Lecturer and Course Director at Swinburne University of Technology. Dr Kwa holds a PhD in Pathology and is a dedicated educator with a focus on designing effective curriculum that promotes active learning and transforms her students into life-long learners and future-ready health professionals. Dr Kwa leads the Drug Discovery for Chronic Diseases Laboratory, focusing on developing novel treatments for chronic disorders. The research methods she uses inform her teaching and she continues to be inspired in innovating new pedagogy to shape authentic curriculum designed for the student learner.

Transforming health science education through multi-modal digital learning

Traditionally taught in wet labs, anatomy education has now embraced digital technologies. Associate Professor Junhua Xiao's project has transformed health science education at Swinburne by integrating a multi-modal digital anatomy curriculum.

Through the introduction of augmented reality, virtual reality, and 3D models to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, Associate Professor Xiao has enabled the adoption of a future-focused approach for new digital anatomy units in biomedical science and neuroscience majors. 

Integrating this next gen technology in curriculum has improved students' anatomical knowledge and also fostered problem-solving skills and self-regulated learning. Significant improvements in course satisfaction and learning motivation have been highly praised by both students and educators of these transformed units. 

Associate Professor Xiao's approach is not only preparing students for future careers in health science but has set a new standard for anatomical education in Australia. This new approach is paving the way for the establishment of the country's first Digital Anatomy Network aimed at promoting collaboration and professional development for educators across the sector.

Associate Professor Junhua Xiao

Associate Professor Junhua Xiao is the Deputy Chair of Biomedical, Health and Exercise Sciences at Swinburne University. She holds a PhD in Medicine and leads the Neural Repair Laboratory. Associate Professor. Xiao is dedicated to advancing neurodegenerative disease research and fostering innovative learning experiences in digital health and medical education.

Using innovative assessment to cultivate student digital literacy skills 

By replacing a traditional assessment with an innovative infographic-based assessment, Dr Jessica Mackelprang and Dr James Williams have reimagined assessment in health psychology at Swinburne. In a newly designed two-part assessment, students are challenged to synthesise and critique empirical research on health behaviours, which they then use to create an engaging and easy-to-understand infographic.

This authentic assessment has improved students' readiness for the health workforce and had a significant positive impact on student learning, supporting the development of both digital literacy and visual communication skills. Positive student feedback and evaluation data have demonstrated increased confidence in the use of technology and the creation of effective infographics.

Dr Jessica Mackelprang 

Dr Jessica Mackelprang is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Chair (Professional Programs) in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and leads the Trauma, Injury, Marginalisation, and Equity (TIME) Lab. Dr Mackelprang is dedicated to advancing trauma research and fostering innovative learning experiences.

Dr James Williams 

Dr James Williams is a Lecturer and Course Director for the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) at Swinburne University of Technology. He holds a PhD in Psychology and his research focuses on sustainability, health psychology and psychometrics. Dr Williams is dedicated to fostering innovative learning experiences and advancing digital learning environments.