by Jessica Borten, Bond University journalism student
Associate Professor Christian Moro of the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine has been shortlisted for the so-called ‘Oscars of education’.
Dr Moro is a contender for the Presence Learning & Teaching Award at the Reimagine Education Awards.
The award recognises educators across the world for their ongoing contribution to the development of ‘in-class experiences’ that can positively influence student learning.
Dr Moro has a passion for teaching others about the human body.
“I’ve always found the human body incredibly interesting and there’s a real value in learning about it,” he said.
Dr Moro said the days of narrating course content to students have gone and modern education should be centred on using technology to enrich in-class activities.
“Presence teaching is all about enhancing on-campus instruction for all students,” said Dr Moro.
“I can happily present content in front of a group, but not everyone learns that way. By doing a range of different activities and using technology, it can help meet the needs of a diverse cohort of students.
“If we’re teaching students about a certain disease we have a range of ways to present, such as a discussion, using slides, or even have a 3D printed object on-hand or use technology to show a 3D virtual model.
“It’s all around the same topic but the ability to learn through different modes is something which is really useful to help each and every student.
“Not everything works for every student, but that’s the point: having lots of opportunities to learn something.”
Dr Moro said the small classes make it easy for Bond University lecturers to cater to individual learning styles.
“We need the smaller classes and that’s what Bond allows,” he said.
“Small class sizes, hands-on learning and well set up and kitted out rooms – I don’t think you could do that with a big group.”
Dr Moro is extending his teaching beyond the university to anyone who shares his interests.
“My goal is to create learning materials for physiology about the human body and share it widely and free,” he said.
“That includes our research as well - trying to make things as accessible as possible, which means at no cost.
“It’s lucky because YouTube and Instagram mean we can produce content and package it in a way we can reach lots of people.
“It’s a way of providing high quality information and trying to teach beyond the classroom.”
To learn more about Dr Moro and physiology, head to his Instagram page or YouTube channel @physiologywithchristian.
Winners of the Reimagine Education Awards will be announced on December 11.