Formal Programs in Learning and Teaching

The Teaching Development Unit offers an introductory program, Foundations of University Learning and Teaching, for new academic staff. TDU also contributes to Sessional staff induction.

Foundations of University Learning and Teaching Program

The Foundations of University Learning and Teaching program is a professional development program which is compulsory for all new full-time UWS teaching staff, employed at the Associate Lecturer, Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer levels where the appointment is for 12 months or longer. TDU makes contact with eligible newly-appointed staff, providing information about the Foundations program.

New Sessional Staff Induction

To complement the Foundations program, a compulsory School-based three hour induction session for new Sessional teaching staff focuses on assessment, large and small group teaching, and student academic misconduct. TDU contributes to Sessional staff induction by providing resources and offering guidance to support School staff in planning and designing induction sessions. TDU reports annually to the PVC (Education) on attendances at Sessional Inductions provided by Schools. In 2011, 345 new sessional staff attended Sessional Induction.

TDU has prepared the following resources for distribution to each new Sessional staff member at Sessional Induction:

• Teaching @ UWS (opens in a new window) [PDF, 343KB]. This booklet contains sections on: the learning and teaching environment at UWS; about learning and teaching; developing your academic career; and support services for learning and teaching.
  
• UWS Tutors Guide (opens in a new window) [PDF, 817KB]. Contains sections on: getting started; understanding student learning; effective small group teaching and learning; e-learning; marking and giving feedback; evaluating and improving teaching, and evaluation resources.