Professor Denise Chalmers, an internationally respected figure in academic development with expertise in tertiary teaching and learning, has been appointed Director of The University of Western Australia's Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL).

Prof Chalmers has experience in the development of learning resources and educational multimedia, the evaluation of teaching and learning, the flexible delivery of education and the coordination of staff development programs.

The Centre for Teaching and Learning's activities contribute to the University's outstanding performance in teaching and learning.  The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research ranked UWA third in Australia on teaching and learning in 2007.

"UWA staff has a well-deserved reputation for teaching excellence.  The University won three out of 14 national awards for its programs in the most recent Carrick Awards," Associate Professor Jane Long, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) said.

 "Denise Chalmers comes to UWA after spending two very successful years at the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education in Sydney, where she was the director responsible for awards, fellowships and international links."

"From 1997 to 2006, she was the Director of the Teaching and Educational Development Institute at the University of Queensland.  She will take up her appointment on March 25."

As well as becoming Director of CATL, Professor Chalmers will continue as the national project leader for the Carrick Institute's important Teaching Quality Indicators Project, within which UWA is a pilot institution.

CATL helps staff in seeking and using feedback on teaching from students and peers and in catering to teaching development needs across the University.  It offers guidance in preparing academic portfolios in applications for academic promotion or tenure, advises on approaches to assessment and eLearning, and coordinates the university-wide CATLyst network of faculty-based teaching and learning advisers.

Media references

Associate Professor Jane Long  61 8  6488 2077
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning)
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  61 8  6488 5563  /  0432 637 716