Teaching

IMG_1412My teaching experience is diverse and comprehensive. I have taught a range of units in Media and Cultural Studies and Education. I have also designed, developed and delivered several courses, units and workshops focused on academic skill development for mixed and international-only student cohorts at every stage of the university student life-cycle (from pre-university to PhD and Early Career Researchers).

My teaching philosophy is informed by a lifelong interest in intercultural communication and scholarly-based, student-centered curriculum design. It is also inspired by my interest in popular culture and new technologies. My approach to learning is informed by humanist, social learning and constructivist principles. I invite students to express themselves as individuals and I am sensitive to the emotional, as well as cognitive, dimensions of the learning process. My philosophy prioritizes personal and cultural reflexivity, student feedback and innovation.

My research and teaching interests intersect in the areas of effective eLearning and intercultural communication. I am experimenting with social media, gamification and modular release in online course design . My teaching in cross-cultural contexts resulted in an unsolicited nomination for The Murdoch University Vice Chancellors Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013. Additionally, I have worked offshore with a Chinese university to design and deliver a course for university students who are considering study in Australia. I was asked back to China to run the course for 3 years in a row.

In Cultural Studies, I have coordinated, tutored and lectured in units (both online and offline) on the following topics:

  • Gender studies
  • Popular culture (including popular music)
  • Everyday life
  • Digital cultures
  • Television and video cultures
  • Intercultural communication
  • Intercultural education
  • Academic literacy
  • The creative industries

I have also run a number of seminars and workshops, for both staff and students, including:

  • Tutor training
  • Thesis writing for research students
  • Better Listening and Speaking, Grammar, and Writing (EAL Students)
  • Academic Reading and Writing
  • Academic Integrity
  • Oral Presentations
  • Digital Literacy
  • Critical Thinking