Professor James Arvanitakis: University Teacher of the Year

For the second year in a row, a UWS lecturer has been awarded the Prime Minister's University Teacher of the Year award at the Australian Government Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) Awards (opens in a new window).

Professor James Arvanitakis, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts (opens in a new window), attended the OLT ceremony to receive an OLT Award for Teaching Excellence in the Humanities and Arts category and walked away with the title of University Teacher of the Year. Last year, Professor Roy Tasker from the School of Science and Health (opens in a new window) was awarded the same prestigious award.

With the occasional ninja roll, re-enactments of the Roosters' 2002 Grand Final victory, and body percussion featuring in his lectures, it's little wonder students find his courses interesting. "I'm also known for practising my climbing skills up and down the lectern," says James. He explains that these scenarios are key to his teaching methods and are used to ensure the students are engaged while also demonstrating the relevance of the theory work.

Being named University Teacher of the Year is a career highlight for James. "It's an acknowledgement of the work that we do and is also an acknowledgement of those who work around me – UWS academics, sessional and professional staff – and their efforts," he says.

James has dedicated his academic career to enhancing the student experience through innovative teaching methods. He says he enjoys working with both students and academics. "The best things about my job are the students who get into the subject and show you a different way of seeing the world," he explains. "There are a number of colleagues who are amazing and work hard and collegially to promote good teaching. Being able to bring the teaching/research/engagement nexus together is really fun, inspiring and fantastic."

Elizabeth Dowsell, a Bachelor of Arts (Dean's Scholars) (Psychology) student who has just completed her third year, enjoyed James' lectures in the Contemporary Society unit. She says that James has an incredible way of making every student feel special. "A student could never feel as though they are simply one of 300 people in the theatre but rather feel united with their peers, as James promotes and encourages a collaborative and supportive learning environment where everyone's opinions are valued," she explains.

Elizabeth has been inspired by James' passion and enthusiasm for teaching and hopes to commence a Masters of Teaching in 2014. "If I could be even half the teacher James is, that would be something to be extremely proud of," she says.

Citations were also presented to Brenda Dobia, Tania Ferfolja, Gwyneth Howell, Lucie Ramjan and the Chinese Team in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts comprising Xiaoying (Sheila) Qi, Ruying Qi, Guo Wu and Lijiang Zhao.

To read more about the OLT citations awarded in 2012, read the article titled UWS Awarded OLT Citations and Grants (opens in a new window) published in the last edition of AroundUWS or visit the OLT Grants and Projects website (opens in a new window).