The path to learning is a critical one

Compulsory tutorials, late night teleconferences and a string of student accolades can all be traced to Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic, Dr Graeme McLean.The senior lecturer and coordinator of the philosophy discipline at CSU has been named winner of the 2008 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence for his ‘outstanding contribution and sustained commitment’ to teaching and learning at the University.One of those hoops includes the introduction of compulsory tutorials for internal philosophy students - a move Dr McLean is adamant has been free of student complaints.“There is no hiding in my classes as all the students participate,” said Dr McLean. “Once they get over the shock, the students enjoy the tutorials.”“Learning is a very active thing … you can’t learn for someone. My job as a teacher is to help the student through the learning process, drawing out the knowledge and ultimately enabling the student to take the next step in critical thinking and intellectual development.”