"Since coming to Canterbury in 2001, Roger Nokes has received numerous teaching awards including the UCSA Best Lecturer of the Year Award in 2001 and 2008 and a University Teaching Award in 2003. Previously at the University of Auckland, Roger received five awards for teaching excellence plus that University's teaching medal in 1993. This career of teaching excellence culminated in a National Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards in 2006.
Roger teaches Fluid Mechanics and Engineering Mathematics. He sees his role not as being about "instilling" new knowledge and understanding in his students, but as being to "encourage them, inspire them, cajole them, mentor them and challenge them in their learning process".
While being recognised for his meticulous lecture preparation and carefully developed summative and formative assessment, he is also known for his humour and story-telling. His success is evident in the praise volunteered by students and colleagues: "Passion", "unwaning enthusiasm', "commitment", "super-supportive", "effort" and "awesome" lecturing are common descriptions of his teaching.
Roger has made significant contributions to University teaching through his service as department Director of Undergraduate Studies and membership of Faculty Board of Studies. He is an energetic and challenging member of the University Teaching and Learning Committee and is a mentor of colleagues both within and outside his department. His contribution to the tertiary teaching profession and to Canterbury in particular, has been described as "outstanding", both as an outstanding teacher and as an outstanding educational leader.
