1 The Medal and its purpose The D R Stranks Medal has been established to publicly recognise outstanding achievements by individuals (or groups) in the field of chemical education The Medal is awarded on the basis of either (or both) of the following criteria (detailed in paragraph 4 below) - significant innovation in chemical education
- excellence in the professional practice of chemical education
The latter criterion, introduced in 1993, broadens the field of endeavour of the Chemical Education Award, which the Medal replaces. The Medal is named in recognition of the late Professor Donald Stranks who founded the Chemical Education Group of the South Australian Branch and who himself made an outstanding contribution to chemical education in Australia. 2 Eligibility Any South Australian practitioner(s) of chemical education from any field of the discipline may be nominated. 3 Nominations Nominations made by any person. Membership of the RACI is not essential. The prior acquiescence of the nominee is required. It is recommended that the nominator collaborate with the nominee to prepare the nomination presentation. Nominations must be made on the appropriate form accompanied by documentary evidence. The criteria for the award must be addressed. Failure to do so may prejudice the nomination. The nomination must supply the name and address of each of two referees from whom a confidential report may be obtained (the referees must have agreed to act as such) The choice of referees is important. Such persons should be able to discuss relevant aspects of the nominee's contribution to chemical education in the chosen category in considerable depth. The jury reserves the right to use referees other than those nominated 4 Criteria Innovation Significant innovation in chemical education may be demonstrated in any or more aspects of the teaching and learning of chemistry. These aspects include teaching methods, demonstrations, curriculum materials, assessment, computers in education, laboratory work, teacher in-service. Other relevant aspects are acceptable. An expected outcome is that the innovation has led to improved learning or teaching or attitudes or skills. Professional practice Excellence in professional practice (over an extended period of time) will be characterised by evidence of significant positive outcomes in students' learning, attitudes and skills in chemistry, thereby influencing colleagues and others in the profession. Normally such a professional will demonstrate excellence in a range of areas. Such a person will : - use a range of effective classroom and laboratory strategies in teaching and assessment
- develop in students positive attitudes / enthusiasm for chemistry
- contribute significantly to curriculum development at least within the teaching institution and preferably beyond it.
- be a positive role model for colleagues and especially student teachers and beginning teachers of chemistry
- publish in the professional journals or elsewhere
- demonstrate an ability to accept, trial and refine new ideas about teaching / /earning
- provide leadership in professional development
5 Jury Nominations will be considered by a jury of five members comprising the Branch President (or his nominee) and four other members who shall be appointed for a period of three years by the Branch (after consultation with the Chemical Education Group). At its discretion the jury may recommended that worthy but unsuccessful nominations be resubmitted in the following year. The jury may also recommended be awarded in any given year. 6 Annual call for nominations, jury decision, presentation In February of each year the Branch will make a call for nominations for the Medal. Nominations will normally close on June 30th of that year and a public announcement will be made before September 30th of that year. The Medal, if awarded, will be presented at an important function organised by the Branch before December 25th. 7 Submission of nominations A single copy of the completed nomination form, together with supporting materials, should be submitted to Royal Australian Chemical Institute (SA Branch), by 30th June. Download Nomination form (4 pages, 136 kb, pdf  ), complete and forward to the SA Branch. See Contact Details on this site for current address. |