Garth Pratten recognised for inspiring our future leaders
Quality education is built upon great teaching. We can all remember those teachers and supervisors who influenced our own learning. This is why we celebrate the recognition of Associate Professor Garth Pratten from our Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University (ANU). Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt recognises the essential impact educators have on the learning experiences and their influences on positive outcomes of university students.
Helping students gain a deeper understanding of the causes, conduct and effects of war, after dedicating his career to this pursuit, was a key driver for why military historian Associate Professor Pratten chose to teach.
Dr Pratten, based at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs was recognised for his outstanding contribution to student learning, receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Citation for his work in convening the ANU study tour, Exploring Operation Oboe. The course takes eight students on a study tour of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. These were the locations for Operation Oboe at the end of the Second World War, the largest military campaign ever planned and executed by Australia
In a crowded field dominated by popular narrative history, frequently peppered with clichés and half-truths, I strive to bring sophistication and nuance to the study of war and warfare, while never forgetting the essential humanity of the experience.
“Given many of my students aspire to have careers in the defence and national security community I feel an added imperative to equip them with the knowledge and skills to function effectively in this environment.”
Associate Professor Pratten’s approach to teaching goes far beyond the classroom, providing his students with a more in-depth and nuanced understanding of the way Australia’s history is intertwined with its regional neighbours, and the nature of warfare.
“Borneo was an adventurous teaching environment where learning was experiential and participative. Students scrambled up jungle clad hills, searched out long overgrown battle sites and debated tactics and strategies. Ultimately, learning here, like the conduct of military operations, was an intellectual and physical experience.”
His teaching has inspired theses, career decisions and friendships. His passion for his subject, dedication to his students and genuine good nature has inspired an abiding loyalty and respect among those whom he taught, said one student.
Associate Professor Pratten’s approach has made a lasting impression on his students, who will no doubt go on to become effective policymakers, leaders and experts in their own right.
See the full list of the Vice-Chancellor’s teaching awards winners via the ANU Newsroom.
