It’s her unconventional approach that has landed the Charles Sturt University professor a national accolade.

Dr Pemberton was one of 89 recipients of a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning at the Australian Awards for University Teaching.

“I was really surprised to win, and that I was the only winner from CSU,” the Thurgoona School of Community Health lecturer said.

“It’s a lovely acknowledgement of the effort I put in and the results you see through being a bit more creative.

“I teach subjects that service a lot of different courses including physiotherapy, podiatry, health and rehabilitation.

“People can think the subjects are dull, boring and too hard and as soon as they think that, they disengage.”

This became clear to Dr Pemberton shortly after beginning in her role in 2012, with the “conventional manner” of standing in front of the class translating to poor exam marks.

These days, students can expect role play, hands-on sessions and Lego.

“With Lego, you can show how different blockers work or drugs that are mimicking the effect of molecules produced in the body – it really helps students who become overwhelmed with the terminologies,” she said. Vice Chancellor Andrew Vann accompanied Dr Pemberton to the awards ceremony in Sydney last Thursday.

“(She) is to be congratulated for her innovative approach to learning which engages and motivates our allied health students,” he said.