David Paganin
Associate Professor David Paganin has spent his entire career researching the laws of physics at Monash University.
While his very successful research career within the science faculty is dotted with noteworthy breakthroughs on complex topics, it is still his uncomplicated, proven, old-fashioned blackboard he turns to when it comes to teaching the next generation about science.
"I love the ‘solid state technology' of blackboards for the flexibility and freedom that they offer," Associate Professor Paganin said.
"Blackboards also let me tailor my particular development to suit the particular class, and quickly adapt the material where necessary in order to best answer questions that students ask along the way."
His teaching methods don't fit the traditional physics mould, but it is this left-of-centre approach to teaching, driven by his passion for seeing students succeed, that has led to recognition as one of Australia's leading university educators; receiving a 2009 Australian Learning Teachers Council citation.
"I strive to weave the particular topics I teach into the wider fabric of physics and science as a whole, to foster scientific creativity and curiosity in my students and help catalyse them to become creative and confident problem solvers," he said.
A stretch goal perhaps, but Associate Professor Paganin also has a pragmatic approach to the role his lessons play in his graduates' futures.
"A university course has done its job if it ultimately makes itself superfluous. At the end of the course the students should be independent and proud learners who no longer need specific university courses in order to further their lifelong learning," Associate Professor Paganin said.
He said it didn't seem that long ago that he was sitting on the other side of the lectern. The advice he offers his fellow teachers is "to listen to the students and always remember that it is a real privilege and responsibility to teach."
Three Monash staff members and a teaching team were awarded ALTC citations in 2009.
In addition to Professor Paganin, a team from the Graduate Development Office in the Faculty of Business and Economics was recognised for the provision of programs that positively impact on the student experience of postgraduate business education.
The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science's Dr Julia Harrison was recognised for developing a new subject called Patient Safety while colleague Professor Catriona McLean was cited for the development of an online curriculum resource for the study of pathology.
