Student awards for top lecturers

University of Otago Prof Harlene Hayne (left) and Dr Gill Rutherford, of the university's College of Education, reflect on Dr Rutherford's "most inclusive lecturer" award. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

University of Otago Prof Mark Stringer, of the university's anatomy department, was yesterday named the university's top lecturer for this year, as voted by students.

Dr Gill Rutherford, of the university College of Education, was declared the "most inclusive lecturer" and winner of "The Disability Awareness and Inclusive Teaching Award".

This award recognised excellence in inclusive teaching and a commitment to understanding disability as a human rights issue, thus "enriching the Otago experience for students who have a disability, impairment or medical condition", student organisers said.

Prof Stringer and Dr Rutherford were chosen from a group of "top ten" lecturers, as voted by students in the annual Otago University Students Association teaching awards.

Prof Stringer could not attend yesterday's award ceremony, at the university staff club, and acting anatomy head Prof Lisa Matisoo-Smith accepted the award on his behalf.

Making the presentation, Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne said students "really do appreciate" outstanding teaching, and people who could "explain difficult ideas in simple ways".

Students also liked teachers who were "good people as well".

Students had said of Prof Stringer that he was "fabulous at explaining concepts", "always willing to help", and "probably a Jedi master".

OUSA education officer Katie Reid noted a "Prof Mark Stringer Appreciation Society" social media page had been set up by students.

Dr Rutherford was "completely humbled" by her award and said it was a privilege to teach at the university college.

She had "wonderful students", to whom she was "enormously thankful", and continued to learn a great deal from them, she said in an interview.

Others on this year's top 10 list were: Flavia Rubini-Lean, Portuguese; Dr Barbara Stone, French; Tony Zaharic, biochemistry; Judy Layland, College of Education; Haruko Stuart, Japanese; Dr Jackie Hunter, psychology; Prof Tony Binns, geography; Dr Tony Schneiders, physiotherapy.

john.gibb@odt.co.nz