FET 5302 Tertiary Teaching Capacity Enhancement: Reflection and Evaluation

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

Improved teaching effectiveness is fostered by the teacher's commitment to regular constructive self-evaluation of all aspects of one's teaching. The capacity for critical self-reflection, and the willingness to act and modify teaching and learning strategies in response to this, are the hallmarks of effective teachers. Participation in a guided 'evaluation of teaching process' is an enabling tool that allows tertiary teachers to engage in continual improvement. In recognition of the increasingly complex nature of tertiary teaching in the knowledge society, and the importance of 'communities of learners', this course is delivered online and allows tertiary teachers to collectively build capacity through participation in focused discussions. Recognition of recent and current professional practice and development activities that enhance the work of tertiary educators is an integral part of this course.

SYNOPSIS:

Tertiary educators will be introduced to the key capacity building processes of constructive self-evaluation and self-reflection. This course requires students to evaluate the success or otherwise of the 'teaching capacity enhancement plan' developed in course TEA5101. An action learning process will also be used to allow participating tertiary educators to identify and develop key features to be incorporated into an ongoing cycle for improvement. This course seeks to recognise appropriate professional development activities or other relevant activities that can be demonstrated as contributing to the development of teaching capacities in tertiary educators. IMPORTANT NOTE: Working with Children: State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc.) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 UNLESS YOU POSSESS A CURRENT 'BLUE CARD'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html. *If you are undertaking practical experience outside the state of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements.

OBJECTIVES:

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. The assessment item(s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parenthesis. On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. analyse their own practice; (Portfolio; Planning for Continuous Improvement)
2. demonstrate capacities to engage in a process of evaluation and self-reflection; (Portfolio; Planning for Continuous Improvement)
3. evaluate and respond to emerging practices affecting tertiary teachers, especially those in their own specialist teaching areas; (Portfolio; Planning for Continuous Improvement)
4. provide examples that demonstrate the relationship between 'professional learning communities' and improved teaching; (Portfolio; Planning for Continuous Improvement);
5. develop a plan for continuous improvement (Planning for Continuous Improvement);
6. develop and justify a portfolio of evidence that verifies successful completion of at least 20 hours of approved professional development activities (Portfolio).

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the student's responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   This course has an extension policy which enables students to be within two weeks of the due date for assignments before they need to contact the course examiner. If more than two weeks late with submission of assignments, students must contact the course examiner to negotiate a further extension.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must submit all of the summative assessment items and achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Not applicable.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. IMPORTANT NOTE: Working with Children: State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc.) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 UNLESS YOU POSSESS A CURRENT 'BLUE CARD'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html. *If you are undertaking practical experience outside the state of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements.