It is not just having a sound understanding of your subject which makes an effective teacher in business education.

Having a passion for what you teach, creating a rapport with students and keeping a sense of humour are key elements to being a successful marketing educator, new research from Charles Sturt University (CSU) suggests. 

Troy Heffernan, Senior Lecturer in Marketing at CSU, believes it is personal qualities in a teacher that will improve their teaching effectiveness and lead to better student performance.

While he has tested these theories in recently published research, Dr Heffernan has also practised them in his own teaching philosophy.

It is for that reason he was last week awarded the 2004 Pearson Education Australia and New Zealand Marketing Academy (ANZMAC) Marketing Educator of the Year.

In the course of his research into marketing education, Dr Heffernan has adjusted his own teaching style, incorporating regular case studies for students, rather than reliance on one or two large assignments and exams. He believes this allows students to build upon and apply their learning and knowledge on a regular basis.

Head of CSU’s School of Marketing and Management, Dr Greg Walker said Dr Heffernan was a most deserving recipient of the ANZMAC Marketing Educator of the Year Award, as he had consistently received very high student ratings for his teaching.

“Troy has an ability to convey discipline knowledge and skills in a highly understandable and relevant manner. He has also been involved in a number of innovative teaching activities, including an exchange experience involving Australian and Russian students,” Dr Walker said. 

Dr Heffernan received his award last week during the ANZMAC annual conference in Wellington, New Zealand.