Australian Awards for University Teaching — 2009

Awards for Teaching Excellence — Law, Economics, Business and Related Studies — Recipient

Associate Professor Paul Chen
The Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory

Synopsis

Paul Chen is a dedicated teacher of economics who has achieved consistent excellence in all his courses, ranging from small elective units in his research area to very large compulsory first year courses. Students describe his teaching as ‘powerful,’ ‘enthusiastic,’ ‘innovative,’ ‘passionate,’ ‘organised,’ ‘stimulating,’ and ‘vivid’. Paul is known for engaging students with colourful examples and simple class exercises that facilitate their understanding of difficult, abstract concepts. He expects students to learn to think like economists. He constructs assessment questions that challenge students to apply taught concepts to novel situations and to explain their reasoning clearly. Paul has received many teaching awards, starting as a doctoral student at Stanford University, with some chosen by academics and others by students, and has been honoured at his home institution as well as at the national level. His current research work is in the intersection of labour and behavioural economics dealing with fairness and reciprocity in the workplace.