Change One Thing Award

The Change One Thing Award celebrates the great work in the Charles Sturt learning and teaching community. It supports staff in learning from one another about practical and innovative solutions to learning and teaching challenges. This award is based on the Dalhousie University Change One Thing grant.

The Charles Sturt Change One Thing Award provides a pathway for being nominated for the Regional Universities Network (RUN) Learning and Teaching Awards. The RUN Learning & Teaching Awards recognise excellence and achievement at regional universities across Australia.

In 2025, up to 5 winners will be chosen. They will receive $500 to support learning and teaching oriented professional development (PD) activities.

2025 applications are now open

2025 Applications open:  23 June 25

2025 Applications close: 22 August 2025

Download guidelines

Submission

  • Requirements:
    • Three (3) minute video (to be attached)
    • A 100-to-200-word abstract that outlines the learning and teaching innovation, outcomes and impact
    • Photo - a recent high-quality photograph of main applicant or team (to be attached)
  • Submit applications via the online application form.
  • Applications are due on Friday, 22 August 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

Download guidelines

Key dates for 2025

23 June Applications Open

22 August Applications close

Late August Review of applications and outcomes finalised

Early September Applicants notified of outcomes and funding allocated, RUN nominees advised of timelines for revision

18 September RUN nominees to submit the final/revised video to the Teaching Academy

Resources for Your 2025 Submission

To help you prepare a strong submission, here are some useful resources:

Review Past Winners.

Take inspiration from previous RUN Learning and Teaching Awards:

Charles Sturt placed 2nd in 2024 and 1st in 2023—a great benchmark to aim for!

Explore the Change One Thing Awards.

Watch the top three videos under the 2023 and 2024 tabs to see what made them stand out.

Watch last year’s presentation.

View the presentation from our 2023 winners here to gain insights into what made their submission successful:

  • Hear from Elyce Green, a successful 2023 applicant for the Change One Thing and RUN Awards. She’ll share how she crafted a winning pitch and video, what she learned during the process, and her top tips for success.

    Watch presentation

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email teachingacademy@csu.edu.au

RUN Learning and Teaching Awards announced

We are thrilled to announce that The “EEB309 Wellbeing Subject Development Team,” Belinda Downey, Kelly Tribolet, Amita Krautloher, and Samantha Hamilton received second place in the 2024 RUN Learning and Teaching Awards for their presentation “Boosting Retention Through Equitable Assessments in Early Childhood Education.”

Their innovative work exemplifies commitment to equity in education, making a real difference in student retention and success.

Submission information

Presentation title:  Boosting Retention Through Equitable Assessments in Early Childhood Education

Abstract: Australia faces a shortage of 21,000 Early Childhood Educators (ECE). The Bachelor of Education (Birth to 5) degree aims to address this gap, but student retention has been a challenge. To improve retention and prepare students for professional practice, an Interactive Oral Assessment (IOA) was introduced in EEB309 - Wellness and Wellbeing, the first subject in this degree. Research indicates that success in the initial subject is crucial for retention. EEB309, with 212 students in 2024, includes vocational education trained (VET) diplomaqualified educators, predominantly working professionals, with a median age of 31. The cohort is diverse, with 97% female, 33% from low Socio-Economic Status (SES) backgrounds, and over 50% first-in-family tertiary students, many studying part-time while working fulltime. The IOA replaced a 1500-word written assessment to create an equitable assessment and enhance professional skills. It involved a 10-minute professional conversation based on workplace scenarios. The IOA received positive feedback from 94% of students, increased retention by 21%, progress rates by 20% and improved student satisfaction by 13%. Fail rates and non-submissions were reduced by over 50%, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting student progression. This will help to alleviate Australia’s shortage of degree-qualified early childhood educators, particularly critical in regional areas.

To watch all entrant videos, visit the RUN Learning and teaching website:
https://www.run.edu.au/run-learning-and-teaching-awards/

View past recipients.