The Change One Thing Award celebrates the great work in the Charles Sturt learning and teaching community. It supports staff to learn from each other about practical and innovative solutions to learning and teaching challenges. This award is based on the Dalhousie University Change one Thing grant.
The Charles Sturt Change One Thing Award provides a pathway for being nominated for the Regional Universities Network (RUN) Learning and Teaching Awards. The RUN Learning & Teaching Awards recognise excellence and achievement at regional universities across Australia.
We are thrilled to announce that The “EEB309 Wellbeing Subject Development Team,” Belinda Downey, Kelly Tribolet, Amita Krautloher, and Samantha Hamilton received second place in the 2024 RUN Learning and Teaching Awards for their presentation “Boosting Retention Through Equitable Assessments in Early Childhood Education.”
Their innovative work exemplifies commitment to equity in education, making a real difference in student retention and success.
Presentation title: Boosting Retention Through Equitable Assessments in Early Childhood Education
Abstract: Australia faces a shortage of 21,000 Early Childhood Educators (ECE). The Bachelor of Education (Birth to 5) degree aims to address this gap, but student retention has been a challenge. To improve retention and prepare students for professional practice, an Interactive Oral Assessment (IOA) was introduced in EEB309 - Wellness and Wellbeing, the first subject in this degree. Research indicates that success in the initial subject is crucial for retention. EEB309, with 212 students in 2024, includes vocational education trained (VET) diplomaqualified educators, predominantly working professionals, with a median age of 31. The cohort is diverse, with 97% female, 33% from low Socio-Economic Status (SES) backgrounds, and over 50% first-in-family tertiary students, many studying part-time while working fulltime. The IOA replaced a 1500-word written assessment to create an equitable assessment and enhance professional skills. It involved a 10-minute professional conversation based on workplace scenarios. The IOA received positive feedback from 94% of students, increased retention by 21%, progress rates by 20% and improved student satisfaction by 13%. Fail rates and non-submissions were reduced by over 50%, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting student progression. This will help to alleviate Australia’s shortage of degree-qualified early childhood educators, particularly critical in regional areas.
To watch all entrant videos, visit the RUN Learning and teaching website:
https://www.run.edu.au/run-learning-and-teaching-awards/
The following staff are the successful applicants of the 2024 Change One Thing Awards, with the *top three nominated for the RUN L&T Awards
| Recipient/s | Faculty | School | Presentation Title: | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Christopher Cummins, Dr Matthew Collins & Matilda Thiele | FoSH | SDMS | Constructing & adopting a virtual observatory to connect the stars and improve student outcomes | View video submission |
| *Nicole Sugden Dr Leigh Grant, Dr Jenni Greig, & Amita Krautloher | BJBS | SoP | Beyond the essay: E-portfolios engage diverse learners and foster academic integrity | View video submission |
| *Belinda
Downey, Amita Krauthloher, Samantha Hamilton and Dr Kelly Tribolet | FoAE | SoE | Boosting Retention Through Equitable Assessments in Early Childhood Education | View video submission |
| Kylie Dobson and Sonia Spry | FoSH | SAHESS | Bringing clinical practice into the classroom-enhancing authentic learning. | View video submission |
| Shayne
Chau A/Prof Kelly Spuur Clare Singh Caroline Nabasenja Kerri Hicks Carole Hunter | FoSH | SDMS | Transforming Diagnostic Radiography Work-integrated Learning with PebblePad | View video submission |
| Anna Horn and Dr Luke Donnan | FoSH | SAHESS | Nerve Blocks: In Practice | View video submission |
| Matilda Thiele, Chris Cummins and Matt Collins | FoSH | SDMS | Scaffolded approach to student engagement and tertiary study in Physics through interactive worksheets | View video submission |
| Kirsty Van Grinsven, Linda Ball and Cate Melville | FoSH | SAHESS | The Power of Reciprocity in Cultural Learning | View video submission |
| Tarni Nelson | FoSH | SDMS | Professional Button Pushers | View video submission |
| Dane Rickwood and Trudie Fenwick | FoSH | SNPHS | Outcome Alignment: Assessing Communication in an Online Paramedicine Subject | View video submission |