
The Teaching Support Program (TSP) was initiated under Learning for Life with the aim of helping teaching staff increase their capability in designing and planning quality learning experiences for students across a range of delivery modes but particularly in LEO and online.
The fundamental premise underpinning the TSP is that time allocated to unit design and planning is reflected in the quality of the teaching and the learning experience for the student. Starting with the ‘design backward; deliver forward’ curriculum / unit design model, a core element of the TSP is to offer a process, using practical tools, to bridge the Unit Outline with the planning and design of the LEO unit.
Another core element of the program focuses on the why and how of Active Learning, and then provides a template, based on models from the literature, that teaching staff can use as a guide when designing learning activities.
Lastly, the TSP explores various technology-enhanced learning approaches to match teaching strategies with the appropriate digital tool for use in online learning and teaching or F2F teaching environments.
So who is the TSP for?
Sessional staff, lecturers, senior lecturers at ACU.
Anyone with an interest in or responsibility for unit design and planning, particularly in LEO and other online environments.
What will teaching staff get out of the TSP?
ACU academics have cited the following benefits from participating:
“…I could see why my units haven’t been sufficiently engaging. I learn best by reading but I recognize that many (most?) or our current learners need to be more actively engaged…”
“… I learnt a great deal. Most importantly, the program gave me a frame of reference to reflect on my teaching practice, and put me in touch with a great many resources….”
“In practical terms the TSP helped me greatly in understanding what LEO has to offer in terms of "digital tools" and how these might be utilised to enhance online teaching and learning.”
“The Teaching Support Program has enhanced my teaching delivery by facilitating the development of new skills in technology, for example, Kaltura. What a great way for instructors to put a face to a name, by using an introductory to the course via video clip. For those who are seeking to find audience engagement cues or triggers to encourage critical thinking, this program provides the opportunity to be creative to suit the needs in your particular course.”
Delivery mode
Facilitated online with face-to-face group coaching.
Duration
Seven weeks, one to two hours per week.
More information
Visit the Teaching Support Program page on the ACU learning and teaching web site.
Alternatively, contact Meg Appleby or James Nicholson in North Sydney, or in Melbourne, Peter Bruhn, Vebica Evans or Francis Ramirez.