The Global Teaching Excellence Award (GTEA) is given to institutions to 'recognise and celebrate their deep commitment to the pursuit of teaching and learning excellence.'
The University of Wollongong was one of the five Spotlight Award recipients, selected from a field of 17 finalists from Asia, Europe, North America, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia.
"UOW was the only Australian university shortlisted in two consecutive years and this time we made it," says UOW, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Joe Chicharo.
A distinguished panel of judges commented on the selection of UOW for a Spotlight Award said, ‘cultivating a culture amongst staff and students that continuously promotes and supports learning and teaching’,
Professor Joe Chicharo received the global accolade on behalf of the University.
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Speaking with SBS Gujarati Professor Chicharo explained what makes UOW world’s teaching elite.
"I think it is sort of part of our DNA, our heritage, UOW was established to serve a local community, so we have a great engagement with the industry, our student staff relations are like an open door environment, students can see the faculty member anytime. I think I would say a very personalised education experience for the students with great infrastructure facilities. And this award is recognition of this efforts."
"I think it is sort of part of our DNA, our heritage, UOW was established to serve a local community, so we have a great engagement with the industry, our student staff relations are like an open door environment, students can see the faculty member anytime. I think I would say a very personalised education experience for the students with great infrastructure facilities. And this award is recognition of this efforts. "- Professor Chicharo
Professor Chicharo mentioned that the international students are an essential part of the UOW culture. They are ambassadors for the university. He believes the students choose UOW because of quality and skills they get to join the workforce.
"Employment rates, we are 0.1% universities in the world according to employers for the quality of our graduates," he said.
It is not surprising:
Geetika Maddirala, a second-year student of BioMedical at UOW shared her experience with SBS Gujarati.
The award news did not surprise Geetika because she thinks the faculty, student support system and multiculturism are the key areas that distinguish UOW from other universities.
"To me honestly no surprise that UOW has won the award because my professors are enthusiastic about their subject and so student-centric. They care about us. What surprises me is that they sit with us personally to solve issues and assignments are really help us to think creatively and address the real world issues."
Geetika says she has learnt a lot; she feels more confident. She shared that their assignments help them to build the skills, they need in a real world. "Everything is very current date now and all the research, all the assignments are just up to date," she added.
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UOW promotes multiculturism, and supports the overall development of students. Geetika shared, "there are special scholarships, extra academic help. There is global communicators program, where you can make friends- meet other international students; there are other activities like you can join a club, a society and also be the part of student government."
There are special scholarships, extra academic help. There is global communicators program, where you can make friends- meet other international students; there are other activities like you can join a club, a society and also be the part of student government.
Shamron Prasad is a student of Bachelor of Engineering Mechanical Material at UOW. "My experience at UOW is excellent," says Shamron.
UOW provides hands-on learning, not like go to lecturer and read and do assignments, according to Shamron.
UOW was not the first choice for Mr Prasad, but he thinks he has made the right decision,
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"I wanted to go to other universities, but I landed here. My plan was to study here for a year and then move to my favourite university, but I ended up staying here because I feel a lot better because I am doing a better course, the staff is amazing, and the environment is very friendly - peaceful."
My experience at UOW is excellent, says Shamron.
In the end, Prof Chicharo said that this was a significant acknowledgement for our staff that their commitment to student success is recognised as meeting international standards.
