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Dr Timo Henckel from The Australian National University College of Business and Economics’ (CBE’s) Research School of Economics (RSE) has received a 2021 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning from Universities Australia.
The recently announced Australian Awards for University Teaching celebrate excellence in teaching and are a valued form of recognition for university educators Australia wide.
Seventy-eight citations commending exceptional contributions made to the quality of student learning were awarded around the country, and Timo is one of four recipients in Canberra.
Reflecting on this honour, he humbly acknowledges that teaching is a team effort.
“I have had the good fortune to work with very capable tutors, who have repeatedly put their hand up to continue teaching my courses, and this has ensured my courses run smoothly. Without the dedication and competence of my tutors, my courses wouldn’t be nearly as successful. So I feel a bit sheepish having the spotlight shone on me,” Timo shares.
His enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with his students, and conveying the fundamental importance of what they are learning, is clear.
“I try to instil in my students a habit of critical thinking, of questioning the theory, and of examining the assumptions that go into the models. I also emphasise the link between the data and the theory, so students can discover how successful the theory actually is.
Many students find this rewarding because they notice that what they’re learning is useful and relevant. I get a lot of satisfaction from students expressing their joy about being able to make sense of the world around them after having taken one of my courses,” Timo says.
The College values his experience and ongoing dedication to his work.
“Timo’s classes are always popular with students, no doubt due to his care for each student as an individual, his passion for his discipline, and the work he puts into making his classes engaging and immersive. This recognition of his excellent work shows that the best CBE academics are truly among the best in Australia, and our students are taught by people acknowledged by our peers to be the best in their fields,” shares Associate Professor Bronwen Whiting, CBE’s Associate Dean (Education).
Professor Rabee Tourky, Director of RSE, also congratulates Timo on this well-deserved award.
"We are very proud to have one of the University’s best teaching teams, and particularly proud of Timo's achievements in teaching," he says.