One of the Northern Territory’s leading educators is being recognised for her ground-breaking work in developing a unique teaching model for vocal studies at a tertiary level.
Kathy Banks, of Charles Darwin University’s School of Creative Arts and Humanities, will receive a 2008 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, valued at $10,000, from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council at a presentation ceremony in Adelaide on Thursday, 7 August.
Ms Banks will receive her citation in recognition of the development of a group model of teaching and learning singing that engages a unique and diverse student body and facilitates student autonomy.
Dean of the Faculty of Law, Business and Arts, Dr Adrian Walter, said the citation revealed Ms Banks’ commitment to improving the student experience and introducing new and innovative teaching techniques.
“Kathy has been teaching voice in Darwin for 25 years and for the last 15 years has been the only vocal lecturer at Charles Darwin University and the former Northern Territory University,” he said.
“This award recognises Kathy’s commitment to enhancing student learning in vocal studies at CDU and is thoroughly well deserved.”
Ms Banks said it was an honour to be acknowledged by such a prestigious institution and thanked those who had contributed to the program.
“Throughout my teaching career at CDU, I have been supported and encouraged by my colleagues and senior colleagues in the development and implementation of the vocal program now established,” she said.
“Adrian suggested that I should nominate for a citation and I’d like to thank the Teaching and Learning Development Group, in particular Kym Fraser and Sharon Watson, for their mentoring and guidance.”
The Australian Learning and Teaching Council’s Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning recognises and rewards the diverse contributions that individuals and teams make to the quality of student learning in higher education.