CQUniversity academics Sherie Elliott and Associate Professor Kerry Reid-Searl have each earned a national 'Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning', in the Australian Office for Learning and Teaching awards for 2012, announced this week by Higher Education Minister Senator Chris Evans...

Ms Elliott and Assoc Prof Reid-Searl will be presented with their award and a $10,000 prize, at the Brisbane Convention Centre on October 9. They are among 152 Citation Award winners across Australia.

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Sherie Elliott (top) and Assoc Prof Kerry Reid-Searl have won national awards from the Office for Learning and Teaching

Gladstone-based Sherie's award is for providing support, encouragement, guidance and tailored resources to stimulate and consolidate learning, thus creating an engaging learning experience that inspires students to succeed. Sherie supports students in bridging programs in her role as a lecturer with the Academic Learning Services Unit.

Rockhampton-based Kerry's award is for sustained excellence in the creation of a highly imaginative simulation teaching technique, using human-like props and aimed at preparing nursing students for practice. It recognises her international leadership with the MASK-ED^TM and Pup-Ed^TM simulation packages. She has previously won the equivalent award in 2008.

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"These Citation Awards re-affirm the crucial role teachers and staff play delivering quality education and improving the student learning experience in Australian universities," Senator Evans said.

"A university education is about more than text books and exams - these initiatives will improve the overall learning experience which is necessary for students to participate successfully in higher education.

Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning recognise and reward the diverse contributions made by individuals and teams to the quality of student learning.

Citations are awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to the quality of student learning in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period, whether they are academic staff, general staff, sessional staff or institutional associates.

Citations provide an opportunity for distinctive institutional missions, values and priorities in learning and teaching to be recognised. Citations are awarded for a range of contributions to student learning, both direct and indirect.

* The Australian Awards for University Teaching are designed to recognise quality teaching practice and outstanding contributions to student learning. It is intended that recipients, with the support of their institutions, will contribute to systemic change in learning and teaching through ongoing knowledge sharing and dissemination, for example, presentations within the learning and teaching community, collegial mentoring, pairing and networking, and involvement in university and higher education committees.