The Curtin Teaching Essay Example for Free

The Curtin Teaching Essay The Curtin Teaching, Learning and Student Experience Plan 2013-2017 outlines an ambitious vision for reforming teaching and learning, enhancing the student experience, optimising the education portfolio and the student experience. This vision, enabled through a number of strategic projects will position Curtin as leaders in globally innovative education; provide a richly interactive and personalised learning experience and provide opportunity for graduates, equipping them with skills for the future. It is in this context, that teaching excellence is defined. Key to the development of teaching academics, who are engaged in facilitating student learning, is the establishment of criteria to which excellent teachers can aspire. These criteria highlight the capabilities and skills that guide the successful recruitment, development, recognition and retention of quality teaching academics in higher education. The Curtin Teaching Excellence criteria provide a single set of measures to underpin all relevant reward and recognition processes, so that teaching excellence is clear and consistent with the University’s strategic goals. The teaching excellence criteria are designed to assist individual academic staff, particularly new and early career staff, in clarifying expectations, as well as providing guidelines to assist in the process of supporting academics and establishing guidelines for promotion and awards. The criteria will be used by academic staff and their supervisors as a formative development tool to identify career objectives, and development needs, in addition to forming the basis for informing promotion and awards. Curtin’s Teaching Excellence criteria are designed to be broad and flexible, whilst providing a robust and valid definition of excellent teaching within the Curtin context. The criteria are aligned to the teaching roles within Curtin Expectations for Academic Performance (CEAP)1 and the Curtin University Academic, Professional and General Staff Enterprise Agreement 2012-2016 Curtin’s Teaching Excellence Criteria Curtin’s Teaching Excellence criteria mirror those developed in an Office for Learning and Teaching Project2 and informed by criteria and evidence employed by the Office for Learning and Teaching3, the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in higher education  20124, the Higher Education Academy Benchmarking Project on Recognition of Teaching in Academic Promotion Project and analysis of criteria developed in other Australian universities. Staff who show evidence of ‘excellence in teaching’ will ‘contribute to systemic change in learning and teaching through ongoing knowledge sharing and dissemination, for example, presentations within the learning and teaching community, collegial mentoring, pairing and networking, and involvement in university and higher education committees’ (Office for Learning and Teaching). Curtin’s Teaching Excellence criteria aim to: 1. Support the initial and continuing professional learning of staff engaged in teaching and supporting learning. 2. Foster dynamic and culturally inclusive approaches to teaching and learning in transforming Teaching and Learning at Curtin through creativity, innovation and continuous development in diverse academic and/or professional settings 3. Acknowledge the variety and quality of teaching, learning and assessment practices that support and underpin student learning. 4. Facilitate individuals in gaining formal recognition for quality enhanced approaches to teaching and supporting learning. The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) for Curtin is systematic inquiry, critique, research and development in teaching, learning and the broader educational context which advances and publicly provides educational benefit to students, staff and the higher education sector. Teachers engaging in scholarship in teaching and learning seek to improve teaching at the tertiary level by: Consulting and applying the literature on teaching and learning Investigating their own teaching Adopting innovative teaching approaches Formally communicating their ideas and practice to peers through publication and other formal means; and Seeking and obtaining peer recognition for their ideas and practice. The scholarship of teaching and learning that underpins the teaching excellence criteria is taken from the definitions first proposed by Boyer (1990)5 and later adapted by the University of Queensland. Scholarly teaching Scholarly teaching in a discipline involves all of the following: striving for a high level of proficiency in stimulating students and fostering their learning in a variety of appropriate ways, being familiar with the latest ideas in ones subject,  being informed by current ideas for teaching that subject,   evaluating and reflecting on ones teaching practice and the student learning which follows. The scholarship of teaching The scholarship of teaching develops from a basis of scholarly teaching in a discipline but is not the same as excellent teaching. It involves exploring, testing, practicing and communicating improved pedagogies, learning processes, curricula, policies and learning materials. It meets the following additional criteria in the context of promoting student learning: It requires high levels of discipline-related expertise. It requires an understanding of who the learners are, how they learn and what practices are most effective in the context of the discipline (pedagogical content knowledge) It breaks new ground and is innovative It can be replicated and elaborated It is documented and subjected to peer review Educational Research Like other social science researchers, educational researchers are guided by theoretical and methodological paradigms. A research academic in the field of education deploys theoretical perspectives to understand educational practice. Educational research includes psychological and philosophical inquiry; historical, policy and cultural analysis; and empirical research on a range of areas including learning and teaching processes, pedagogy and curriculum studies. Such research tests the assumptions and worth of theory  in terms of whether it provides adequate explanations of the data and evidence. The aim of educational research is to expand our understanding of all aspects of education and to contribute to theoretical debates and developments in the area. The questions addressed are broader than those focused on in the area of teaching innovation and involve stakeholders beyond the context in which the innovation takes place (Research Assessment Exercise Guidelines, 2008)6. Curtin’s Teaching Excellence Criteria The seven criteria are: 1. Design and planning of learning activities, units and courses 2. Teaching and supporting student learning 3. Assessment and giving feedback to students 4. Developing effective learning environments, student support and guidance 5. Integration of scholarship, research and professional activities with teaching and in support of student learning 6. Evaluation of practice and continuing professional learning 7. Professional and personal effectiveness Evidence of Teaching Excellence at Curtin Teaching 1. Design and planning of learning activities, units and courses 2. Teaching and supporting student learning 3. Assessment and giving feedback to students 4. Developing effective learning environments, student support and guidance Evidence eVALUate Unit Summary Report including unit coordinator response eVALUate Teaching Evaluation Report Student learning outcomes: (retention and pass rates, student projects) Formal Peer Review Report Formal Teaching Evaluation Review – evidence of report Report from community partners and feedback on outcomes Faculty, University or national teaching awards Peer recognition of quality teaching eg invitations to teach in other universities Scholarship of teaching 5. Integration of scholarship, research and professional activities with  teaching and in support of student learning 6. Evaluation of practice and continuing professional learning Evidence Certificate of completion of Professional Learning program eg FOLT, ALUCP, ALCCP, ALFCP Formal teaching qualification in higher education e.g. Grad Certificate in Teaching Attendance at internal or external teaching-related workshops Training and experience from the relevant industry/profession/ discipline Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop Peer reviewed publications / citations University or national teaching and learning grants Details of grants, awards (successful and unsuccessful) and outcomes Service and Leadership in Teaching and Learning (including Community Engagement and Professional Practice) 7. Professional and personal effectiveness Evidence Independent reports from mentees Peer review/ reviewer of curricula which demonstrate engagement with the teaching/research nexus Peer review of curricula as an expert Leadership in supporting colleagues’ teaching through peer support and review. Outcomes of committee leadership Professional Association Awards that validate leadership and expertise in teaching and learning External Reports from the relevant industry/profession/ discipline Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop Invitations to present keynote at Teaching and Learning and disciplinary conferences on teaching and learning Membership of senior advisory groups to Government Leadership in external professional networks / interest groups in teaching and learning Recognition by national or international professional bodies (awards, fellowships, honorary memberships etc) Leadership of professional bodies Contribution to the review and development of national and international professional practice standards Leadership of a school, faculty, university or national teaching and learning initiative Level Dimensions of Curtin’s Teaching Excellence Evidence of achievement Teaching Teach and support student learning Design and plan for learning Assess and give feedback to learners Develop effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance A A developing profile in teaching and a scholarly approach to teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" participating in team teaching within an established program with appropriate mentoring ââ€" gaining experience in teaching in a variety of settings (eg small and large group, clinical, lab, field, research supervision) ââ€" developing skills in all aspects of teaching practice, with appropriate mentoring, including -curriculum design, -development of learning materials -analysis of learning needs of students -identification of appropriate approaches to teaching moderation of assessments -development of formative and summative assessment appropriately linked to learning outcomes ââ€" seeking ways to improve practice by obtaining and analysing feedback ââ€" embedding reflective practice within all aspects of teaching. ââ€" maintaining currency with the latest ideas in discipline ââ€" being informed of current ideas for teaching in the discipline Formal Peer review report Evidence of reflective practice and plan for improvement Teaching evaluation review report Evidence of planned learning activities designed to develop the students’ learning Sound knowledge of the unit material eVALUate TER 80% agreement or higher for two consecutive years and in most units taught B A developing profile in teaching and a scholarly approach to teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" using the latest ideas and research in the discipline in teaching and learning ââ€" applying current pedagogies in teaching and learning Formal Peer review report Evidence of reflective practice and plan for improvement eVALUate USR with unit coordinator response and response in unit outline Teaching evaluation review report Evidence of well-planned learning activities designed to develop the students learning Scholarly/informed approach to learning design Thorough knowledge of the unit material and its contribution in the course Effective and appropriate use of learning technologies Evidence of effective unit coordination and management of teaching teams and impact of mentoring on peers, colleagues Quality assurance and evaluation of teaching and learning (eg moderation, academic integrity) Student learning outcomes: (retention and pass rates, student projects) Additional evidence Tutor feedback on preparation, organisation, mentoring support Evidence of effective supervision of honours/postgraduate students to completion eVALUate TER 80% agreement or higher for two consecutive years and in most units taught eVALUate USR 80% agreement or higher for two consecutive years and in most units taught C Strong teaching practice evidenced by: ââ€" teaching in a range of different settings (1st year to PG; large and small group, different learning environments); ââ€" consistently high percentage agreement in teaching and unit evaluations; other evidence of positive student feedback and peer review ââ€" reflection, review and continuous improvement of curricula, teaching resources and teaching approaches; ââ€" application to teaching practice of new ideas in the discipline and new ideas about teaching in the discipline ââ€" Recognition through awards and prizes at School or Faculty level ââ€" Mentoring and supporting the development of teaching skills in Early Career teaching academics As per level B plus: Formal Peer review report Evidence of reflective practice and plan for improvement Teaching evaluation review report Tutor feedback on preparation, organisation, mentoring support Evidence of effective supervision of honours/postgraduate students to completion Report from community partners and feedback on outcomes Receiving a teaching award (faculty or university) D A sustained record of excellence in teaching practice at all levels as evidenced by: ââ€" Breadth and depth of teaching portfolio, ââ€" recognition through awards and prizes at University level and above Mentoring and supporting the development of teaching skills in Early Career and Mid-Career teaching staff As per level C plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Evidence of leadership of effective curriculum development at the program level. Evidence of contribution to the teaching or curriculum and/or discipline at the national level. Curriculum, learning materials adopted at other universities Receiving a teaching award including curriculum development (university or national) Details of leadership roles and specific contribution Feedback from staff mentored E A distinguished record of scholarly teaching at all levels as evidenced by: ââ€" demonstrable impact on student learning in and attitude towards the discipline over a sustained period ââ€" demonstrable impact on success of graduates over a sustained period ââ€" recognition through awards and prizes at National level ââ€" substantial role in mentoring and supporting the development of teaching skills of Early Career and Mid-Career teaching academics. As per level D plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Evidence of a leadership role and impact in curriculum design and review, planning and/or development at the (inter) national level Evidence of  significant curriculum, disciplinary contribution through published student learning materials, textbooks Leadership in mentoring and supporting colleagues in planning and designing learning activities and curriculum Details of mentoring and leadership support of colleagues External peer recognition and/or review on impact of curriculum, discipline, innovation Scholarship of teaching Engage in continuing professional learning in subjects/ disciplines and their pedagogy, incorporating research, scholarship and the evaluation of professional practice A A developing profile in the scholarship of teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" Participation in the communication and dissemination of teaching practice within the discipline ââ€" Participation in research on how students learn in the discipline ââ€" Presentations on teaching and learning at local and national conferences Teaching evaluation review report Excerpts from unit materials demonstrating incorporation of current teaching and learning research into teaching activities Evidence of teaching and learning scholarship in the practice of teaching and curriculum development Evidence of teaching materials and curricula which demonstrate engagement with the teaching/research nexus Evidence of self-evaluation leading to changes in practice and student learning Evidence of professional learning Completion of FOLT (all modules) Completion of ALUCP (if in unit coordination role) Evidence of attendance at internal or external teaching-related workshops Evidence of participation in conference / forum relevant to teaching and learning Working toward a formal teaching qualification in higher education e.g. Graduate Certificate in Higher Education A developing profile in teaching and a scholarly approach to teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" using the latest ideas and research in the discipline in teaching and learning ââ€" applying current pedagogies in teaching and learning As per level A plus: Evidence of professional learning Completion of ALUCP, ALCCP and/or ALFCP (according to role) Evidence of attendance at internal or external teaching-related workshops Contribution and systematic participation in professional learning or disciplinary engagement in the area, scholarship of Teaching and learning Formal teaching qualification in higher education e.g. Graduate Certificate in Teaching Teaching evaluation review report Evidence application of current pedagogies in the practice of teaching and curriculum development Membership of disciplinary teaching network (e.g. teaching and learning network, HERDSA, OLT) A strong record in the scholarship of teaching as evidence by: ââ€" Demonstrated institutional impact through curriculum development at the discipline or interdisciplinary level; ââ€" Presentations on teaching and learning at local and national conferences ââ€" Success in attracting funding to undertake projects related to teaching practice in the discipline As per level B plus: Details of grants, awards (successful and unsuccessful) and outcomes Teaching evaluation review report Contribution and systematic participation in professional learning or disciplinary engagement in teaching and learning Peer reviewed publications in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (local and national conferences) An excellent record of scholarship of teaching as evidenced by: ââ€"  Demonstrated institutional impact in relation to teaching policy and practice ââ€" Evidence of text books or innovative teaching materials that are used elsewhere ââ€" Participation in international organisations related to teaching area ââ€" A strong record of scholarly publication in major international education journals ââ€" Invited presentations at national and international conferences Partner and/or lead investigator on externally funded teaching and/or curriculum projects As per level C plus: Contributes to teaching and learning policy development and practice Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop (evidence of invitation) Peer recognition of quality teaching e.g. invitations to teach in other universities, awarded a faculty and/or University teaching award. Leadership and innovation in teaching practices and supporting students recognised at the university, disciplinary, national level Leadership in supporting colleagues’ teaching through peer review and teaching evaluation Success in a university, national, discipline teaching award Peer reviewed journal publications in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Textbook publications or innovative teaching materials used in the higher education sector A distinguished record of scholarship of teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" Recognition as an eminent international authority for scholarship of teaching, as reflected in: high quality scholarly publications in international education journals invitations to present keynote addresses workshops at relevant national and international conferences Lead investigator on externally funded teaching and/or curriculum projects teaching fellowships †¢Evidence of text books or innovative teaching materials that are used elsewhere As per level D plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Evidence of successful, strategic leadership and innovation in enhancing quality teaching practices and supporting student learning at the university, disciplinary, (inter) national level Evidence of championing an integrated approach to academic practice in the university, discipline, (inter)nationally. Evidence of establishing effective organisational policies and/or strategies for supporting and promoting others (eg through mentoring, coaching) in delivering high quality teaching and support for student learning Evidence of Keynote addresses and workshops in national and international Teaching and Learning conferences Peer reviewed publications in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning sustained publication record in high quality international journals Leadership in Teaching and Learning, Engagement and Professional practice A Demonstration of potential for leadership in teaching and learning Teaching evaluation review report Contribution and active participation in school teaching and learning committees Evidence of participation in external activities relevant to the discipline/profession and community engagement Demonstration of growing profile in service and leadership in teaching and learning Teaching evaluation review report Active participation in School committees with measureable outcomes details, role and outcomes Independent reports from mentees Peer review/ reviewer of curricula which demonstrate engagement with the teaching/research nexus Evidence of significant external contributions to the discipline/profession and community engagement Demonstration of effective service and leadership in teaching and learning ââ€"  As per level B plus: Teaching evaluation review report Successful prosecution of a major task (sustained or one-off project) that enhances performance of School/Faculty in teaching and learning Evidence of supporting the development of teaching skills in Early Career teaching academics Evidence of successful achievement in roles such as mentor, peer reviewer A significant leadership role in teaching and learning as evidenced by: ââ€" Leadership in curriculum development and renewal at School, Faculty and institutional levels ââ€" Leadership in introduction of new approaches to teaching and learning at School, Faculty and institutional levels ââ€" Invitations to participate in reviews of teaching and learning at other institutions; involvement in national educational activities ââ€" Participation in collaborative partnerships relating to teaching and learning with other educational institutions or other bodies As per level C plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Peer review of curricula as an expert Leadership in supporting colleagues’ teaching through peer support and review Outcomes of committee leadership Professional Association Awards that validate leadership and expertise in teaching and learning External Reports from the relevant industry/profession/ discipline Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop – evidence of invitation Invitations to present keynote at Teaching and Learning and disciplinary conferences on teaching and learning – evidence of invitation Leadership of a school, faculty, university or national teaching and learning initiative E A national and international leadership profile in teaching and learning as evidenced by: ââ€"  Impact on educational policy and curriculum development nationally and internationally; contributions to curriculum debates ââ€"  Leadership in educational activities of national and international organisations ââ€"  Leadership of collaborative partnerships relating to teaching and learning with other educational institutions or other bodies As per level D plus: Membership of senior advisory groups to Government Leadership in external professional networks / interest groups in teaching and learning Recognition by national or international professional bodies (awards, fellowships, honorary memberships etc) Leadership of professional bodies Contribution to the review and development of national and international professional practice standards