Teaching at Monash University
In Semester 1, 2026, I co-taught Political Theory in a Changing World: Concepts, Issues and Debates (ATS1071), a foundational course that introduces students to core concepts in political science and their application to contemporary challenges. I led three tutorial sections (Thursday 10am in-person, Thursday 12pm in-person, and Thursday 4pm online) with 41 students completing a mid-semester evaluation survey in Week 7. This page presents thematic findings from those responses.
Teaching effectiveness
The strongest theme across all three sections is praise for an engaging, well-structured tutorial experience. Students consistently highlighted the ability to connect theory to real-world examples, encourage participation, and make complex material accessible to first-year students.
Charles has an excellent structure to his classes and I find them very enjoyable; I benefit from the discussions in class, I find classes guided and coherent, and Charles brings personality and liveliness.
Charles' ability to get the class talking and involved, and his ability to connect theory and readings to practice and real life examples.
Professor Crabtree is wonderfully eloquent and enjoyable, he is very understandable and makes my first year of uni much less daunting.
Charle's interactiveness and energy inside the tutorials. He is keen on listening to students and shares great insight himself.
Classroom environment and discussion
Students across all three sections described a welcoming environment where participation feels natural. Several noted feeling comfortable voicing opinions, and the discussion-based format was frequently cited as the most effective part of the course.
The tutorial is very engaging, our tutor very much seems to care and discussion is always interesting and fun. I'm not scared to participate.
I like how Charles makes an effort to include student opinions and interests in the way he teaches and discusses the content.
Class is friendly, inspiring and stimulating.
Charles' approach is very helpful and motivating; he's open, passionate, and kind. That makes attendance feel more like a fun discussion rather than a university class.
The open class discussions and tight knit environment.
Critical thinking and content
Students valued the way tutorial discussions scaffolded the weekly readings, breaking them down collaboratively and connecting them to broader debates. Several students noted that the tutor's willingness to critique readings modelled the kind of critical thinking they were developing.
I like how my tutor is able to both recognise and criticise the readings as it helps my critical thinking.
The lectures acting as a sort of precursor for the readings. Small group discussions about the topics. Breaking down the readings before we discuss them.
Class discussions, Charles's teaching style by encouraging debate.
His passion and interest in the content and students.