Foundations of University Learning and Teaching (FULT)
The Foundations of University Learning and Teaching (FULT) 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.
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.
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 a year commencing in February and July, and must be completed within 18 months of joining the University. Staff can register for the Foundations program using StaffOnLine.
Program modules
- Module 1: Teaching Skills Workshop is an interactive, intensive two and a half-day workshop
- 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
Download the Foundations Information Brochure (PDF, 87.22 KB) (opens in a new window)
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 (PDF, 1088.64 KB) (opens in a new window) 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.
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 (PDF, 57.3 KB) (opens in a new window)
For further information, contact the Foundations Co-ordinator Rosemary Thomson.
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).
For further information, contact the Foundations Co-ordinator Rosemary Thomson via email r.thomson@uws.edu.au
