Notre Dame academic rewarded for excellence in lecturing
Document Type
Media Release
Publication Date
Fall 20-5-2011
Publisher Name
The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle Campus
Publication Place
Fremantle
Abstract
Witnessing the first cohort of Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation students graduate from The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA), Fremantle Campus, in 2010 was a proud moment for the degree’s coordinator, Mr Duncan Picknoll.
The experiential learning strategies used in delivering the course allowed the graduating students to enhance their theoretical, practical and environmental skills through applying knowledge to real life situations.
Mr Picknoll was named the Outdoor Education Lecturer of the Year for his excellent contribution to the outdoor industry over the past 12 months.
He was recognised for his commitment to preparing tertiary students for a future career in the outdoor industry at the 2011 West Australian Outdoor Recreation Industry Awards held in April.
The awards, judged by a panel of outdoor recreation professionals, recognise the efforts of outdoor education staff to plan and conduct quality programs for students studying one of the most growing disciplines of education.
After spending more than 16 years teaching Outdoor Education in WA, Mr Picknoll became involved in developing and running courses for Notre Dame’s fledgling Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation degree.
Comprising theory, practical and environmental awareness, students are immersed in the facilitating of camp-craft, pursuits (including canoeing and roping) and group leadership, as well as learning valuable skills, such as wilderness first aid.
With the course now in its fourth successful year, Mr Picknoll says a passion for outdoor education can lead to many career pathways.
“Notre Dame has established important relationships with organisations such as the Department of Sport and Recreation, the Department of Transport’s Marine Education Boat Shed and private and public schools that value and welcome our students for practicum,” Mr Picknoll said.
“So far, our graduates have entered into diverse careers ranging from the Australian Army Reserves to the pearl farming industry.
“It is also encouraging to see students pursuing a Diploma of Education so that they can teach Outdoor Education in schools.”
School of Health Sciences Dean, Professor Helen Parker, said Mr Picknoll had provided exceptional service to outdoor recreation in WA and was delighted that his contribution to the industry was acknowledged.
“Duncan has worked tirelessly since joining the University to establish quality courses that meet the needs of an industry that is striving to meet community demands for safe, adventure experiences for people of all ages and abilities,” Professor Parker said.
Media Contact: Leigh Dawson (+61) 8 9433 0569, Mob (+61) 0405 441 093
Recommended Citation
Dawson, Leigh, "Notre Dame academic rewarded for excellence in lecturing" (2011). Media Release Archive. 45.
https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/media_release/45