Anuj Bhargava
Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching
Professional Teaching Fellow, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland
Anuj's teaching is built on learner-centred and holistic philosophies to tailor learning in the medical and health sciences at The University of Auckland. He creates inclusive environments by prioritising students’ understanding and backgrounds, as one student attests, “As a Pasifika student, I am especially aware of his inclusivity and ongoing commitment, he goes out of his way to make me feel like I belong in a system whose values do not align with my own”.
"Learning is deeply personal. Students acquire knowledge best when teaching is tailored to their specific requirements. I put students at the centre of my teaching and connect with them as distinct individuals."
His work – leading the development of teaching and curriculum for Māori and Pacific students, initiating a Manaaki academic support programme, and developing a Physiology capstone course, has been recognised at the university. The Dean of the Medical and Health Sciences Faculty says, “His programmes have led to a sea-change in thinking amongst our lecturers and all our students about their responsibilities to Te Tiriti o Waitangi...”.
Anuj has a strong teaching research portfolio and is actively involved in supporting his peers and other teachers, in his own institution and in Australasia. Colleagues note that Anuj’s work impacts upon many staff throughout the organisation through his staff development initiatives.