Four staff members of the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) were lauded for their excellence during the recent annual graduation ceremony at Beaumonde on The Point in Perth, Australia. Here’s what they shared about receiving this prestigious award.

EIT prides itself on fostering an environment of innovation, and the Teaching Excellence Awards are an important reflection of this commitment. These awards celebrate outstanding staff who have gone above and beyond in shaping the minds of future engineers.

Presented during the graduation ceremony in Perth, these prestigious awards honor lecturers whose dedication, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to student success align with EIT’s mission to provide world-class engineering education.

According to EIT’s Deputy Dean, Indumathi V, the awards are vital in promoting a culture of excellence at the institution.

“The Teaching Excellence Awards are a cornerstone in fostering a culture of excellence within EIT,” said Indumathi V. “These awards go beyond recognizing individual achievements; they symbolize EIT’s commitment to advancing high-quality, student-centered education in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.”

By celebrating educators like Mr. Jagdeep Suran, Dr. Aravin Arumugam, Dr. Melissa Nogueira, and Dr. Hossein Tafti, EIT highlights the importance of pedagogical innovation and the integration of cutting-edge teaching methods.

These staff members exemplify excellence in leveraging online and blended learning platforms to deliver engaging, impactful, and accessible education to a diverse, global student body.

Bringing Real-World Applications into the Classroom

Dr. Hossein Tafti, a recipient in the Higher Education category, is known for his hands-on approach to teaching. “I use industry case studies to connect students with real-world challenges,” explained Dr. Tafti.

His focus on practical, simulation-based activities in fields like renewable energy ensures that students leave with not just theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills they need to tackle complex engineering challenges.

This method helps foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, allowing students to engage deeply with topics such as power systems and grid stability.

For Dr. Tafti, teaching goes beyond delivering content — it’s about preparing students for the fast-evolving future of engineering.

In the Vocational Education and Training (VET) category, Jagdeep Suran was recognized for his innovative teaching methods that bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice.

“My goal is to ensure that students don’t just learn concepts — they learn how to apply them in real-world scenarios,” said Mr. Suran.

He incorporates his extensive industry experience into his lessons, sharing real-world case studies from electrical engineering projects to ensure that his students are well equipped for the demands of the workforce.

Practical Assessments and Continuous Improvement

Dr. Aravin Arumugam, also recognized in the VET category, has focused on enhancing practical assessments to better prepare students for the engineering challenges they will face.

“I wanted to ensure that our assessments not only tested theoretical knowledge but also required students to apply their learning to real-world engineering problems,” said Dr. Arumugam.

His efforts have led to a shift in practical assessments, particularly in courses that require critical analysis and validation of software results against theoretical calculations.

This approach ensures that students are prepared to think critically and solve complex problems, a skill set that will be invaluable in their careers.

A Holistic Approach to Teaching and Learning

The Teaching Excellence Awards also recognize the role of educators in nurturing not only technical skills but also soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.

“In my classes, I emphasize the importance of clear communication and critical thinking,” Mr. Suran remarked. “These skills are just as important as technical expertise in the engineering world.”

The Deputy Dean further highlighted that these awards contribute to the continuous improvement of EIT by promoting a culture of collaboration and the sharing of best practices.

“By celebrating these achievements during milestone events such as graduation ceremonies, EIT not only honors individual excellence but also reaffirms its mission to pioneer advancements in education.

This recognition,” she said, “inspires both faculty and students, cultivating an environment where innovation, excellence, and growth thrive.”

Dr. Aravin Arumugam, recognized in the VET category

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Growth

The recognition of excellence in teaching is not just a moment of celebration — it’s a call to action for continuous improvement. Indumathi V emphasized that the Teaching Excellence Awards motivate faculty to explore new methods and stay ahead of industry trends.

“These awards encourage a mindset of exploration and creativity, empowering faculty to develop transformative learning experiences that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world,” she said.

As graduates of EIT step into the workforce, they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills they gained but also the inspiration of exceptional educators who are dedicated to their success.

For faculty members, the awards serve as both recognition and encouragement, empowering them to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering education.

This article was published February 10th, 2025 and the content is current as at the date of publication.

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Engineering Institute of Technology