A Mackay lecturer has been recognised nationally for his contribution to student learning this week.

Multimedia lecturer Dr Steven Pace has been awarded a 2011 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC).

Dr Steven PaceDr Pace was awarded the $10,000 Citation for ‘inspiring regional digital media students, over a period of 10 years, with master classes by outstanding industry role models demonstrating world's best practice'.

Dr Pace said a quote made by Richard Saul Wurman had inspired his teaching philosophy - ‘learning is remembering what you're interested in'.

"An important part of good teaching is trying to stimulate intrinsic interest in the subject matter, rather than relying solely on extrinsic motivators like grades.

"That's what I've been trying to do through events like our master classes with outstanding industry role models and follow-up classroom activities."

Chief Executive of the ALTC, Dr Carol Nicoll reflected on the significance of the Citations within the sector.

"I am very confident that the winners of this year's Citations will continue to make a lasting impact on the student experience," she said.

Since 2006, the ALTC has awarded $12.8 million to Citation recipients. This money is used to provide development opportunities for the winning individuals and programs, injecting funds directly back into higher education.

Dr Pace will be presented with the Citation at the 2011 Australian Awards for University Teaching ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on August 16.