Dr Tim Colmer - Faculty of Agriculture

'Excellence in Teaching - what is it?'

I believe that process-orientated teaching and learning equips students with skills for continued learning and success in their careers and life in general. Skills such as problem definition, approaches to solving problems, critical analysis of information, critical thinking, and clear communication are essential for our graduates. Inter-disciplinary approaches to problem solving are emphasised. Nevertheless, the students do also need to become familiar with the terminology and facts in key disciplines, so content still plays an important role in my teaching. Coverage of content is achieved by careful selection of case studies, which also provide a context and help generate enthusiasm among the students to learn. In our third year unit 'Plant Ecophysiology' we use case studies in lectures, as well as in laboratory- and field-based experimental activities.