Foundations of University Learning and Teaching

The Foundations program is divided into three modules that run over two semesters, and is equivalent in workload to one unit at the Masters level. It is offered twice each year (3 times in 2011). The program must be completed within 18 months of joining the University, by all new full-time teaching staff appointed at the levels of Associate Lecturer, Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer. Registration for the Foundations program is handled through HR processes with the Teaching Development Unit contacting eligible staff to provide details of the next available program.

Program commencing dates

• 23 – 25 November 2011
• 17 – 19 July 2012*
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* If there are sufficient registrations, an additional  program will commence on 20-22 June 2012.

The key concepts taught in the program are student-focussed teaching, constructive alignment and reflective practice. Staff develop expertise in how to actively engage their students in learning, including how to successfully plan and align their teaching. They learn that they can continue to develop their teaching through reflection on what works and why, and by engaging in scholarship of learning and teaching.

Program modules

• Module 1: Teaching Skills Workshop is an interactive, intensive two and a half-day workshop
  » Download a sample timetable for Module 1 (opens in a new window) [RTF, 62KB]
• Module 2: Reflective Practice is practice-based and involves three peer observation cycles during semester
• Module 3: Negotiated Project is conducted in the following semester and involves scholarly evaluation of an aspect of teaching design or practice

Advanced standing

On satisfactory completion of the program staff receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible for advanced standing equal to one unit in Deakin University’s online Graduate Certificate of Higher Education (opens in a new window).

Exemptions from the program

Exemption from the Foundations program may be granted if staff hold a postgraduate qualification in higher education or adult education; or have completed an equivalent teaching development program; or can demonstrate experience and excellence in teaching as evidenced through documentation of their teaching achievements over the last three years.

» Download an exemption form (opens in a new window) [PDF, 35KB]

For further information, contact the Foundations Co-ordinator Rosemary Thomson.

» Download the Foundations Information Brochure (opens in a new window) [PDF, 136KB]

Evaluation of the Foundations Program

The Foundations program was first offered to UWS staff in 2007. The Foundations Program: Report on the first 3 years (opens in a new window) [PDF, 1.06MB] describes the evaluation process and impacts of the program. Three sources of data were used in the evaluation: independently-led focus groups with graduates; individual interviews with three Heads of School (from Schools where a number of staff had graduated from the program); and collated participant survey data from successive programs. The primary impact of the program, acknowledged by both graduates and Heads of School, is that graduates have become better teachers.