Peer Review of Educational Practice (PREP) Report and Action Plan: Digital Compendium Index
Capability area #2 — Develop high quality curricula and assessment
- Development of curriculum/program
- In 2017, I established the BSc Financial Mathematics course, which was then approved by the University Course Committee in June of the year. The course is of very high quality and is attractive to international students. Consequently, Guangdong University of Finance and Economic (GUDFE) signed a Student Articulation Agreement with Curtin in 2018 to send students to Curtin to study this course. Currently, we have 11 enrolled students from GDUFE, and it is expected that the number of new students from GUDFE each year will increase to 20 from next year. Details as shown on my 2017 Annual Review (page 3-4).
- In 2020, I spearheaded a collaborative effort between Curtin and Maejo University in Thailand, resulting in a jointly designed 2-years (Maejo) + 1-year (Curtin) program of studies for BSc (Industrial Optimization). This collaboration culminated in the signing of a MoU and a Student Articulation Agreement in April 2021. As a result, we expect to have the first cohort of students transferring from Maejo University to Curtin in 2026. Details as shown on
- Impact on student learning
I have designed unit materials and assessments that are fair, valid, and reliable for all students with diverse cultural and academic backgrounds to ensure that they measure the intended learning outcomes. For example, multiple teaching methods and modes of instruction (visual and auditory) are used so that students may learn in different ways. Another example is allowing students with different academic backgrounds to complete their work using different programming languages (MATLAB, Python, VBA) to acknowledge, value, and leverage the diversity of students' experiences.
Sample assignments from INDE2000(5000) that were submitted during the past 3 years: (1), (2), (3)
I am committed to upholding a high standard of educational quality in the courses I oversee. The impact of my teaching on students' learning can be seen from students' comments from the eVALUate report from 2019-2023. These comments demonstrate my expertise, teaching prowess, adaptability, and enthusiasm. - Industry engagement
My engagement activities over the past year have been characterised by collaborations with various government bodies and industry partners including Main Roads Western Australia, Roads and Maritime Services NSW and Sustainable Built Environment, National Research Centre Australia. By doing so, I ensure that students gain firsthand experience to real-world challenges and practical applications in their chosen field of study. This hands-on experience not only enriches their academic journey but also equips them with valuable skills and insights that are directly transferable to their future careers. It acts as a bridge between academic knowledge and industry practices, enhancing their preparedness for success in their chosen professions.
One of my data science students, Mr Aden Pegler, who received a first-class honour in 2023, has left feedback for his time doing a full-year honour project with me as shown:
Anonymous student(s) USR Report MATH5004 (2023) page 7
Thanks to Professor Benchawan and the team. I am satisfied with the progress I have made.
Learning under Dr. Benchawan was the most delightful experience. Her lecture notes and teaching routine helped us to bring out our full potential.
The lab works have helped us to develop our coding skills.
The professor was very kind in explaining every doubts and was always there to help us with feedback and extra classes if we were not able to understand it completely. Thus making sure that we understand the unit very well.
Learned most of the mathematical techniques to solve BVP problems, Prof. Benchawan Wiwatanapataphee covered all the important topics and the teaching method was really good which made me to understand the topics at a faster pace. One of the best Prof. I had seen.Thanks to Prof Benchawan.
I gained new knowledge
Prof. Benchawan Wiwatanapataphee. she is outstanding, friendly. Basically, I had no programming knowledge, but through this unit, now I know the basics of programming. she always encourages us about this unit and tells us the future scope of the unit, so that we can do PhD degree.
Anonymous student(s) FUR Report INDE5000 (2021) page 6
As this is my first semester in my Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering, this unit helped me a lot in
understanding the basic aspects of Supply Chain and how the inventory in a supply chain works. This will
be a stepping stone in learning more about the Optimisation and Modelling techniques in Supply Chain.
The current way of teaching is helpful and it is good.
Anonymous student(s)FUR Report MATH5004 (2021) page 6
It helped in understanding of how fdm and fem works and how it can be applied in real life scenarios.
The current teaching is itself good.
Anonymous student(s)TER Report INDE5000 (2020) page 3
Thanks for your help throughout the course. I am very happy with this
unit and thank you for the good feedback that I receive every time I ask
you a questions. I really love your teaching style because it is easy to
understand and very clear. You are the best! Thank you very much!
Anonymous student(s)TER Report INDE2000 (2020) page 3
She is able to assist students with topics that they are unsure about and
is enthusiastic about helping students.
Benchawan is very good at delivering the content in a clear and concise manner, it is clear she is very knowledgeable in the topics. Benchawan also provides feedback on assignments and quiz questions which is very helpful for a student to master the content.
Benchawan is very good at delivering the content in a clear and concise manner, it is clear she is very knowledgeable in the topics. Benchawan also provides feedback on assignments and quiz questions which is very helpful for a student to master the content.
very approachable and communicates information well in person
Anonymous student(s)TER Report MATH3004 (2020) page 3
Professor Benchawan is very patient. She helps us a lot. I really appreciate her efforts for this unit.
Anonymous student(s) TER Report INDE2000 (2019) page 3
Having a super friendly and approachable lecture was definatly a
highlight of this unit. She was always available to ask questions and to make us smile when we were all tired and stressed. also her jokes are awesome!
Subject knowledge and interesting anecdotes.
Aden Pegler Re Aden Pegler Thesis.msg
Hey, I'm Aden Pegler. An Honours data science student who had Benchawan as my supervisor for my final Honours project. Benchawan was a great supervisor to have for my project. She made time for weekly meetings which helped me to keep on top of things and was also available through email if I needed more help. She helped me through understanding all of the concepts I used throughout my project and provided examples of how these concepts were applied in practice. Overall, I am really happy regarding my year with Benchawan. (...)