Two Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturers in commercial radio have been recognised for their dedication to developing a unique industry-based course that yields high levels of graduate employment in the radio industry.

 

Mr David Maxwell and Mr Brett Van Heekeren from CSU’s School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst received Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) at a presentation ceremony in Canberra on Monday 9 August.

 

The ALTC citation recognises them ‘For building an effective and sustained relationship with industry stakeholders to create an innovative learning environment for commercial radio students’.

 

“The ALTC award acknowledges the successful and ongoing partnership between the School of Communication and Creative Industries and the commercial radio industry, and in particular with the industry body, Commercial Radio Australia,” Mr Van Heekeren said.

 

“The Bachelor of Arts (Communication – Commercial Radio) we teach is the only course that specifically educates and prepares graduates for working in the commercial radio industry and related media.

 

“The key is the successful embedding real work into the learning strategy, resulting in nine out of ten of our graduating students being employed in the radio industry.”

 

Mr Maxwell said, “Charles Sturt University has a strong brand in communication education because of how we teach and involve the students in the ‘real-life’ learning from day one. The result is that they are ready for work, highly employable, and they quickly rise through the radio business from ‘lower’ jobs to positions of responsibility.”

 

Head of the School of Communication and Creative Industries, Associate Professor Margaret Woodward, said, “I congratulate Brett and David for reaching the pinnacle of achievement in academic teaching and learning, individually and collectively.