Comments from his students consistently testify to his "passionate" and "empowering" teaching which helps them think critically about their chosen profession, and come to understand the need to develop a sensitive appreciation of people seeking assistance. Typical comments include "Mark challenged us to really think about what we had been taught and its validity in the 'real' world"; "my mind is alive with possibilities for the future"; and "he makes me question everything to do with Psychology and everyday life."

These challenges are offered in "an environment of open communication" in which Mark "respects our comments and experiences and offers help where applicable". Students in turn respect Mark's integrity, recognising that "his teaching methods are in line with his overall philosophy". They assess his courses as "truly the best of my university career", "the most intellectually challenging unit I've studied" and "a very powerful learning experience". Students also value his "practical, hands on experience/knowledge" and comment that he "knows his stuff". Mark's talents include the ability to teach psychometric assessment, which students can easily dislike or find tedious, in a way which is "inspiring - and this is amazing given the topic".

Mark has an established track record of contributions to staff training in intellectual disability services and to the literature on teaching in clinical psychology. He has also published teaching materials for human service professionals. He is a respected leader in the new non-traditional field of discursive psychology, and among his recent publications is a textbook of teaching materials in discursive psychology which was developed collaboratively with Alex McHoul.

Murdoch is fortunate to have such a committed and inspiring teacher.

Congratulations Mark

Jane's students at Murdoch also comment on her "patience, intelligence, clarity and care" and see her as "the perfect example of Murdoch's 'open door' policy. She loves her job and demonstrates this in her classes". One enthusiastic student wrote "I consider you to be a female reincarnation of Robin Williams in Dead Poets' Society!" These tributes reflect Jane's statement that "I look forward to each fresh group of students, as they all have something to teach me about the educational process".

Jane values an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and the cross-fertilisation of theory and practice. She encourages students to learn by teaching others, and has developed innovative teaching strategies to stimulate discussion and to encourage quieter students to contribute. She has also produced a short instructional video to help students grasp aspects of phenomenological film theory.

Jane has taken on the role of Acting Chair of Mass Communication. In addition, she recently accompanied a senior faculty member to Kuala Lumpur to provide mentoring and support teaching to offshore enrolled students at Kolej Damansara Utama, and this semester will be coordinating a unit in Mass Communication for KDU. To further develop her professional knowledge and skills, Jane is currently enrolled in Murdoch's Graduate Diploma in Tertiary and Adult Education. She is also involved in industry liaison which enables her to sustain a production profile within her specialist areas.

Murdoch values younger staff such as Jane who already demonstrate a commitment to the craft of teaching.

Congratulations Jane

Partly because Murray has studied and taught in China, perhaps his greatest skill is an awareness of the needs of students of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. He is passionate about ensuring that Asian and other international students enjoy their time at Murdoch, and feel part of the learning environment.

Students say that "Murray has a passion for his subject and inspires others to learn" and has "a very understanding and relaxed approach". A colleague who has worked closely with him over 11 years echoes student plaudits in declaring him to be "without a doubt, one of the most inspirational teachers I have known". She further points out the importance of his research in the areas of teaching international students and of gender discrimination in Economics textbooks.

The Head of School of Economics comments that Murray is not only exceptional in the classroom, and in preparation for classroom responsibilities, but that he also "engages in most of the administrative responsibilities required to smooth the process of learning for students". Within Murdoch, Murray is a member of BITL's Teaching and Learning Committee, is on the University's Unit Materials Liaison Group, and is the Division's external studies liaison person. Among his professional commitments, he has been actively involved in both the Economics Teachers' Association and the Economic Society of Western Australia.

Murray's profound commitment to teaching can only enhance Murdoch's national reputation for graduate satisfaction among both local and international students.

Congratulations Murray

Students talk of her "endless patience", "clear and concise explanations", and her "exceptional communication skills" which enable them "to understand what study and learning are about". In both individual and classroom teaching situations, and with a wide range of students, Marian manifests both compassion and common sense in her teaching.

One of her colleagues notes that "what makes Marian such an extraordinary teacher is that she does such a good job of teaching the people who do not fit all (or indeed any) of the labels of ideal students". She has a professional repertoire that enables her to help all the students she teaches, "regardless of how hopeless they thought their case was".

Marian is recognised nationally by her colleagues for her expertise with scientific calculators and student learning, and for her more recent work on graphics calculators which challenges traditional mathematics teaching. She is keenly interested in numeracy as part of 'critical reading', has an impressive list of publications and presentations in mathematics education, has been very active in professional associations, and has contributed to the production of mathematics teaching materials such as student textbooks.

Marian is an outstanding resource for Murdoch University, for her many colleagues, and for her students.

Congratulations Marian