Two outstanding teachers receive national recognition

The Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) celebrate teaching excellence and reward the diverse contributions made by individuals and teams to student learning. In the 2022 awards recently announced by Universities Australia, Corina Raduescu from Sydney Business School and Frances Barraclough from the Faculty of Medicine and Health both received citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Joanne Wright congratulated Miss Raduescu and Ms Barraclough on this fantastic achievement.

“These awards recognise and celebrate the profound impact educators have on the learning and teaching experiences of our students. Our aim is to be the best Australian university for teaching and learning, and this recent recognition is a fantastic reflection of the innovative approaches taken to support and engage students with their learning,” said Professor Wright.

"Congratulations to our colleagues on being recognised for their outstanding work in elevating learning experiences and contributing to a culture of excellence in teaching, especially as we work towards creating and enhancing transformational student-focused education."

Corina Raduescu

Corina has been instrumental in leading both the Business School’s and University’s curriculum design and innovation, with her implementation of the Capstone Units and Industry and Community Project Units (ICPUs) contributing significantly to graduate employability. ICPUs are a cross-faculty undergraduate offering, designed to contribute to the problem-solving and interdisciplinary effectiveness graduate qualities.

“I am guided by the belief that ‘excellence is not being the best; it is doing your best!’ I think that making small innovative changes in your units of study is a good start. Then, leverage small gains and build an upward trajectory for success at the University and beyond, by leading and inspiring others to follow and succeed,” said Miss Raduescu.

As a result of Corina’s work, students from all disciplines now have the benefit of an aligned and integrated interdisciplinary offering that equips them with the necessary skills not only to thrive in the future workforce but also to lead economic, technological, social and ecological transformation in response to the national and global challenges of our time.

Reflecting on what drives her, she said:

“I am inspired by my passion for teaching and my motivation to support students in their learning journey and in successfully transitioning into their life beyond the classroom and in their future careers.

“I’m also motivated by the care I have for students and being surrounded by inspirational educators. I have a responsibility to deliver outstanding education for the bright minds we have in our University.”

Frances Barraclough

In her role as a Senior Lecturer and Academic Coordinator for Interdisciplinary Education based at the University Centre for Rural Health, Frances leads the development and implementation of an interprofessional education program that supports undergraduate and postgraduate students.

“My educational philosophy is based on enabling students to manage health and care (rather than disease and cure), to focus on early intervention and prevention, and to work in teams across a range of service providers within the health and social care sector. This philosophy, known as integrated care, involves a different set of knowledge, skills and attitudes from those our current students are traditionally trained to do,” said Ms Barraclough.

“Growing evidence reinforces this model between health care and other sectors, emphasising a person-centred, preventative and community-based approach and a move away from disease-based and institution-focused care.”

Working alongside community, industry partners and people with lived experiences motivates Frances to continually improve her programs and role as a teacher, with a sharp focus on developing our students as the leaders of the future.

“I enable and create opportunities for systems thinking and change, encouraging leadership and reflective thinking. I love seeing students thrive and develop as future leaders, role models and local champions to support and implement reform and change in integrated care.

“I emphasise with my students the importance of continuous learning and maintaining evidence-informed practice, incorporating ways to demonstrate leadership in influencing other professionals and service providers to be more person centred and collaborative in their practice.”