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Newsletter 1-06, December 2006
TEACHING AND LEARNING NEWSLETTER |
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| Newsletter 1-06 |
December 2006 |
UQ was the second institution to host the Universitas 21 Undergraduate Research Conference world wide and the first in Australia. It was on from 25-29 September 2006. The Conference allowed undergraduate/honours students from UQ and around the world to showcase their research to an international audience. The University was represented by four students who were selected from a competitive pool of candidates. The event was extremely successful with students and staff from our guest institutions enjoying themselves immensely during the program of events.
As we come to the end another year I would like to extend my thanks to the student representatives who have served on teaching and learning committees throughout the year. I would particularly like to thank outgoing Student Union President, Lucy Weber, as well as Meggan Lowry, Vera Schluessel and Nicholas Cooper for their valuable contribution representing student views on evolving teaching and learning policy and direction.
December 2006
| 1. Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching – Application Timeline for 2007 |
Applications and nominations for 2007 the Carrick Grants Scheme, Carrick Fellowships and Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching (CAAUT) will be submitted by the University throughout next year. Below are the submission dates and a link to guidelines for 2007 Carrick Fellowships and Grant applications:
| 2. 2006 Carrick Awards, Grants and Fellowships |
UQ recipients of 2006 Carrick Awards, Fellowships and Grants
| Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching: Innovation in Curricula, Learning and Teaching - Dr Diann Eley, Dr Louise Young, Associate Professor Peter Baker, Professor David Wilkinson Project: An integrated package of innovative rural medical education: enhancing student outcomes and increasing the rural medical workforce Postgraduate Education - Dr Catherine Manathunga, Associate Professor George Mellick Project: Research Student Virtual Portfolio Senior Fellowships: - Professor Ian Cameron Associate Fellowships: - Associate Professor Merrilyn Goos - Professor Peter Adams and Associate Professor Philip Poronnik (joint winners) |
Grants: - Professor Ian Cameron - Professor Peter Adams - Professor David Radcliffe - Associate Professor Fred D’Agostino - Associate Professor Damien Hine and Associate Professor Ross Barnard (joint winners) Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning: - Associate Professor Stephen Adkins - Associate Professor Shaun Collin - Dr Sarah Derrington - Ms Wendy Fitzmaurice, Mr Alex Rohan, Ms Fiona Stroud, Ms Marissa Takahashi, Ms Elizabeth Reaves - Dr Massimo Gasparon - Dr Madan Gupta - Dr Paul Harnett, Dr Nancy Pachana, Dr Kate Sofranoff, Professor Justin Kenardy, Professor Gina Geffin, Dr Ken McFarlane, Associate Professor Ken Pakenham, Professor Tian Oei, Dr Ruth Bouma, Ms Suzanne Doyle - Dr Marie Kavanagh, Mr Nick Baker, Mr Robert Wood - Dr Barbara Maenhaut - Ms Louise McCuaig |
| 3. Teaching and Learning Week 2006 |
3A. UQ Awards for Teaching and Learning Excellence
The 2006 UQ Teaching and Learning Awards annual ceremony was held Customs House on 30 October. This year saw the inaugural award of Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning which were introduced to feed into the Carrick Institute scheme of the same name. 2006 award winners are listed below:
| Excellence in Teaching: - Dr Karen Moni - Dr Paul Mills - Dr Ian Tibbetts - Mrs Patricia Clarke - Dr Victor Galea Enhancement of Student Learning: - Dr Diann Eley, Dr Louise Young, Associate Professor Peter Baker, Professor David Wilkinson Project: An integrated package of innovative rural medical education: enhancing student outcomes and increasing the rural medical workforce - Dr Valda Miller, Mrs Elwyn Oldfield, Mr Graham Jordan, Ms Mia O'Brien Project: Supporting first-year student learning through Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Excellence in Research Higher Degree Supervision: - Associate Professor Anne Goldizen - Professor Max Lu |
Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning: - Associate Professor Stephen Adkins - Associate Professor Shaun Collin - Dr Sarah Derrington - Dr Diann Eley, Associate Professor Peter Baker - Ms Wendy Fitzmaurice, Mr Alex Rohan, Ms Fiona Stroud, Ms Marissa Takahashi, Ms Elizabeth Reaves - Dr Massimo Gasparon - Dr Madan Gupta - Dr Paul Harnett, Dr Nancy Pachana, Dr Kate Sofranoff, Professor Justin Kenardy, Professor Gina Geffin, Dr Ken McFarlane, Associate Professor Ken Pakenham, Professor Tian Oei, Dr Ruth Bouma, Ms Suzanne Doyle - Dr Marie Kavanagh, Mr Nick Baker, Mr Robert Wood - Dr Barbara Maenhaut - Ms Louise Anne McCuaig - Dr Roger Moni, Associate Professor Philip Poronnik, Associate Professor Lesley Lluka, Dr Karen Moni |
Full citations are available on the Teaching and Learning website http://www.uq.edu.au/teaching-learning/index.html?page=49796&pid=7417
3B. Forums and Showcases
Linking discipline-based research and teaching to benefit student learning: Guest presenter, Professor Mick Healey, from the University of Gloucestershire explored the complex and contested nature of the research-teaching nexus. His sessions examined how we can further encourage the linking of teaching and research to improve the learning and engagement of our students.
Collaborative Teaching and Learning Centre: Staff demonstrated how they effectively adapted their course curriculum for use in this innovative teaching space. The Collaborative Teaching and Learning Space Innovative Development Funds scheme was also launched. These funds aim to encourage staff to further incorporate collaborative teaching and learning strategies into their courses and programs through the innovative use of the CTLC facilities. Forms and guidelines are now available http://www.uq.edu.au/teaching-learning/index.html?page=54786&pid=11114 . Applications close on 15 December 2006.
Internationalisation of Education: Professor Barry McGaw, from The University of Melbourne was the keynote speaker and was followed by a panel discussion on student mobility which featured Mr John Moloney, Executive Director, International Programs, Macquarie University and Ms Judy Loy, Brisbane Communique Taskforce, International Cooperation Branch, DEST.
Third First Year Experience Workshop: The workshop reflected on the First Year Experience project and Faculty based initiatives implemented during 2006 and included an interactive panel session.
Applying and Winning Carrick Institute Grants, Awards and Fellowships: Denise Chalmers, one of the Program Directors at the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education assisted staff to gain a better understanding of the Institute, its funding and essential issues to consider if you want to apply for an award, fellowship or grant. She discussed the Institute’s guidelines and criteria for applications and provided valuable information regarding the preparation of applications and selection process. The sessions included two panels comprising of some of UQ’s successful 2006 Carrick recipients who provided an overview of their successful projects and application tips. If you were unable to attend these sessions and wish to obtain copies of the presentations, please email m.card@uq.edu.au
3C. Effective Teaching and Learning Conference
The University of Queensland hosted the Effective Teaching and Learning (ETL) Conference, convened by the Teaching & Educational Development Institute (TEDI), on 2 and 3 November. The Conference, based around the theme `21st Century University Teaching and Learning: Continuing the conversation’, attracted approximately 150 registrants from around Australia. Keynote speakers at the conference were 2005 Prime Minister`s University Teachers of the Year winners Waymamba Gaykamangu and John Greatorex from Charles Darwin University and Professor Richard Johnstone, Executive Director of the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education.
| 4. Learning and Teaching Performance Fund (LTPF) |
The Federal Education Minister is due to announce institutional allocations of the 2007 Learning and Teaching fund on 7 December 2006. The fund was established to reward and encourage excellence in learning and teaching nationally. In 2007 funding will be allocated to institutions on the basis of their performance across four broad discipline areas: Science, Computing, Engineering, Architecture and Agriculture; Business, Law and Economics; Humanities, Arts and Education; and Health. Approximately $82 million will be allocated in 2007, an increase from $52 million in 2006.
| 5. Enhancing the First Year Experience |
5A. First Year Experience Workshops
Three workshops were held throughout the year to discuss and share initiatives implemented by the University community and identify areas for improvement. The first workshop in March sought to follow the progress of Faculty-based Induction programs which built on revised Orientation Week activities in 2006. Many issues were raised, including communication and planning, the breadth and variety of experiences across students and disciplines, and the need for multiple approaches and support mechanisms. The second workshop in June provided a snapshot of the innovative initiatives at a School and Support Service level within the University. The Workshop identified common themes regarding aspects of University culture, clear communication and expectations, and effectiveness of group work which all form vital aspects of a positive first year student experience. The third workshop was held during Teaching and Learning Week and reflected on the 2006 Project and Faculty-based initiatives.
5B. First Year Experience Final Report
The final report on the 2006 First Year Experience Project has been prepared and is currently with Faculties and related Organisational Units for comment all feedback should be sent to Professor Michael Keniger at dvca@uq.edu.au.
| 6. Electronic Course Profile (ECP) System |
Enrolled students can access their course profiles via mySI-net and, for courses with a Blackboard presence, from Semester 1, 2007 students will be able to access the authenticated course profile from within Blackboard. A public version of the course profile is available on the Programs and Courses website to assist prospective students with course selection.
6A. ECPS Feedback, Evaluation and Changes
Extensive system feedback has been received by the Project Team. This valuable feedback highlighted technical, administrative and useability issues which have informed design enhancements to improve system functionality. Several policy issues were also highlighted and are dealt with below. All feedback has been summarised and the Project Team has responded to each summary item. This composite summary is available at: https://www.courses.uq.edu.au/latestnews.php (log-in required - see ECP News dated 13 November 2006).
Communication about and training in the ECPS were two common feedback issues. The Project Team has instituted a number of measures to improve advice to current and prospective students about the availability and content of course profiles. Further training and assistance will be available in January to help staff in the use of the system. These will be ‘drop-in’ sessions allowing users to come and go as their time allows and will be offered when development of Semester 1, 2007 profiles will be at a peak. The sessions will be advertised ahead of schedule. Course profiles for Semester 1, 2007 are now available for editing and publishing. Any queries should be directed to the ECP Project Officer at ecp@uq.edu.au
6A.1 Availability of Hard Copies of Course Profiles to Students
Following feedback from staff and students, hard copies of course profiles will continue to be made available to students by the first scheduled learning activity for the course. HUPP 3.20.9 – The Course Profile has been amended to reflect this requirement, with effect from Semester 1, 2007. As in the past, Schools will be responsible for production of the hard copies. Notwithstanding hard copy provision, students will be reminded that course profiles may be subject to change during the semester and that the authoritative version is available online.
6A.2 Flexibility of content
Course coordinators sought greater flexibility in the content that might be included in ECP section 4.2 and amendments to HUPP 3.20.9 have now been effected. Section 4.2 might now contain (i) any further information relating to the Learning Activities summarised in section 4.1; (ii) a description of the teaching and learning methods, approaches/philosophy and modes used in the course. Section 4.2 is still an optional section.
| 7. eLearning Activities |
During 2006, the structure of eLearning development within the University was modified to improve academic ownership of eLearning activities. It was resolved that the eLearning Working Party be renamed the eLearning Subcommittee and report to both the Information Technology and Services Policy and Planning Committee (ITSPP) and the Teaching and Learning Committee instead of solely to the ITSPP. This change aims to promote academic ownership and pedagogy associated with eLearning systems in conjunction with providing IT solutions for eLearning.
7B. eLearning Strategic Planning Workshop
The eLearning Strategic Planning Workshop, held on 10 August 2006, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to share information on eLearning activities at UQ and develop a vision and objectives for the University’s eLearning strategy. It was agreed that the following definition of eLearning should be adopted by the University:
eLearning is learning facilitated and supported through the use of information and communication technologies
- eLearning is part of the student learning experience
- Its objective is to promote effective learning
- Enrich the student experience by teaching for the way they live and learn;
- Cater for diversity, enable choice and facilitate customisation and learner control of learning;
- Use smart technologies to make learning and teaching easier for both students and teachers.
A range of issues were identified as key organisational priorities, such as collection and dissemination of information about ‘e’ teaching and research projects throughout the University, evaluation of eLearning effectiveness, research and learning outcomes across disciplines, defining the value of eLearning and making it seamless to students. The following solutions were recommended which will be addressed as key organisational priorities:
- Develop and maintain a register of ‘e’ teaching and research projects
- Conduct research into the effectiveness of eLearning
- Develop a business case for eLearning
- Define what seamless eLearning is
7C. MIT iCampus
As a Hub Institution, UQ has been working closely with MIT to implement, support and distribute MIT iCampus educational tools and pedagogies across Australia and with our neighbours in South East Asia and New Zealand. UQ was initially involved through the use of the remote online laboratories project called iLabs which has been successfully used by students in the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. The project has since been extended to other tools such as the Cross Media Annotation tool xMAS used by the Faculties of Arts and the MIT Online Assessment Tool iMOAT used in Social and Behavioural Sciences. The first Pan Australia iCampus conference was held at UQ in June 2006 where benefits of iCampus tools to student learning were demonstrated to other Universities who were encouraged to collaborate and join as affiliate institutions. A video conference was held on 22 November to further demonstrate the tools available, with participants from the University of Melbourne, RMIT and UTS expressing strong interest in the project.
In a further boost to the project, UQ has received three seed grants from MIT, totalling $54,434, to enhance the server capacity for xMAS and assist in developing two iLab experiments.
| 8. Smart State Initiatives |
Professor David Radcliffe, School of Engineering has been awarded a $116,664 Smart State University Internships Program grant from the State Government over three years to assist in expansion of the Professional Placement Semester Program (PPSP), initially developed for engineering students in 2001. The Internship Program forms part of the State Government’s Smart State Innovation Funds and aims to create new or enhance existing industry internship programs for science, engineering and technology undergraduate students. Collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture (EPSA) and the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (NRAVS) involving both the St Lucia and the Gatton campuses of the University has resulted in following planned expansion of the scheme over the next three years:
- Implementation in Agricultural Science and Food Science programs in 2007
- A proposed new program in Aerospace Engineering linked to local industry
- Possible extension into School of Information Technology & Electrical Engineering
- Possible extension into Physical and Chemical Sciences
8B. Queensland Academies
The University of Queensland is playing a major role the in the development and support of the State Government’s $46 million Smart Academies initiative. From 2007, two Smart Academies in Toowong and Kelvin Grove offer talented senior students accelerated academic programs through the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) curriculum. The Toowong Academy will specialise in science, maths and technology and the University has been involved in broad discussion of curriculum development. The Toowong Academy’s proximity to the St Lucia Campus of UQ will improve opportunities for interaction between the institutions – including the opportunity for academy students to experience the exceptional UQ campus. The first meeting of a newly established Steering Committee has been held to facilitate communication between the University and the Academy.
| 9. TEDI Review |
| 10. Program Reviews |
10A. Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts review was conducted in December 2005, and the review committee’s report recommendations were approved by Senate at its 25 May 2006 meeting. Recommendations of the Review Committee focussed of five main areas, (i) defining the BA at The University of Queensland; (ii) the structure of the BA; (iii) the development of learning communities; (iv) internationalisation matters; and (v) leadership, governance and administration of the BA program. In light of these recommendations, the program has undergone significant changes which will come into effect in Semester 1, 2007. Changes include a reduced number of majors, broad introductory and capstone courses for each major, and measures to strengthen cohort identity within each discipline and general presentation of the program.
10B. Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science program review was conducted from 20-24 November 2006. The Review Committee was chaired by Professor Caroline McMillen, from The University of South Australia. The Review Committee report will be available in early 2007 for consideration and comment.
| 11. Education Principles on Indigenous Australian Matters |
The Senate Standing Committee for Equity, Diversity and the Status of Women recommended that a statement of education principles be developed to expand upon sentiments expressed in the University’s Statement of Reconciliation (HUPP 8.10.3 Reconciliation) and specifically address matters related to Indigenous Education at the University. On 16 May 2005 Teaching and Learning committee established a working party to develop a statement of education principles on Indigenous Australian matters as it relates to the development of inclusive curriculum and pedagogy and to identify relevant University policies where these principles might be included. Teaching and Learning Committee endorsed the discussion paper Principles on Indigenous Australian Matters on 12 July 2006 and forwarded it for consideration to the Research Working Party on Education Principles on Indigenous Australian Matters for consideration and comment.
| 12. Teaching & Learning Space |
12A. General Purposes North 4 Building
Work has commenced on construction of the building which will be the new location for the University’s Institute of TESOL and Continuing Education and provide 1800sqm2 of new teaching spaces. The teaching spaces will include 2 new Lecture Theatres, a Collaborative Teaching and Learning Centre and seminar room. One of the Lecture Theatres will be the location of the University’s Advanced Concepts Teaching Space (UQ ACTS) providing leading edge teaching facilities. Construction is due to finish in December 2007.
12B. Refurbishment of centrally-controlled teaching rooms
The Teaching & Learning Space Committee has been considering the 2007 program of refurbishments to centrally-controlled teaching rooms. The following rooms will undergo refurbishment :
- Hawken Building rooms N201 and N202 over summer 2006/2007
- Abel Smith Lecture theatre (23-1) mid 2007
- Richards Building room 312 mid 2007
- Parnell Building room 302 mid 2007
12C. Enhanced student charge – Faculty space refurbishment
The Teaching & Learning Space Committee considered submissions for the refurbishment of Faculty teaching space funded by the enhanced student charge. Projects totalling $4.3M will be undertaken in 2007 and include:
- Refurbishment of Translating and Interpreting Laboratory, Forgan Smith Building
- Refurbishments and upgrade of teaching spaces, Colin Clark Building
- Construction of an informal learning area, Chemistry Building
- First year Engineering Learning Centre, Hawken Building
- Creation of Collaborative Clinical Teaching Spaces in the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Refurbishment of teaching rooms, School of Agriculture and Horticulture
- Refurbishment and upgrade of facilities, Social Sciences Building
12D. Gatton Regional Collaborative Teaching and Learning Centre
The Regional Collaborative Teaching and Learning Centre was completed in October 2006. The facility will be available for teaching from the commencement of Semester 1, 2007
12E. Collaborative Teaching and Learning Centre
A name change for the facility from the Collaborative Learning Centre to Collaborative Teaching and Learning Centre was approved during the year to highlight its use for both teaching and learning. The Collaborative Teaching and Learning Space Innovative Development Funds scheme was also launched during Teaching and Learning Weeks to encourage innovative use of the CTLC facilities by courses coordinators. Visit the Teaching and Learning website for more information on the Fund http://www.uq.edu.au/teaching-learning/index.html?page=54786&pid=11114
12F. Enterprise Lecture Recording System
The University has embarked on the implementation of a lecture recording system in a number of centrally-controlled teaching spaces throughout 2007. Recordings of lectures are expected to be available to staff and students online as well as possible future integration with the University’s eLearning system, Blackboard. A Working Party has been established to investigate the issues associated with the introduction of a University wide system for recording lectures. The report of the Working Party report was endorsed by Academic Board on 13 November 2006 and forwarded to Senate for consideration at its 30 November 2006 meeting.
| 13. Teaching & Learning Committee Activities |
http://www.uq.edu.au/academic-board/index.html?page=14559
The working party was established to review the effectiveness of the current Teaching Quality Appraisal (TQA) process. The recommendations of the working party will be forwarded to Academic Board for consideration at its first meeting in 2007, for implementation in 2007.
13B. Teaching and Learning Enhancement Plan
The TLEP 2003 – 2007: Implementation Plan for 2006 – 2007 was revised in accordance with the University’s strategic initiatives and the annual report on progress toward each of the Plan’s six goals. Academic Board noted the amendments at it meeting of 25 September 2006.
In 2007, a new Teaching and Learning Enhancement Plan will be developed through a University-wide consultation process. The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) will prepare a discussion paper by early 2007 to facilitate the process.
13C. Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
HUPP 3.40.12 – Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Plagiarism Detection Software: Following the successful Summer Semester 2005/2006 pilot of the plagiarism detection software TurnItIn, the software was implemented in Semester 1, 2006. A set of guidelines were developed to assist staff and students to gain the maximum benefit from the software. The guidelines were included in HUPP 3.40.12 – Academic Integrity and Plagiarism as an appendix.
EndNote: The latest version of EndNote software, Version 9, became available. After completing the online Licence Agreement, UQ staff and students have the option of either downloading the software or requesting a copy of the software on CD from the Library, free of charge. The Library provides technical support and also conducts free training sessions on the use of EndNote
Seminar: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) convened a staff seminar "Plagiarism: Identification, Diagnosis and Consistent and Equitable Treatment" which was held on 3 May 2006 to increase awareness of issues concerning academic integrity and plagiarism at the University and to discuss initiatives for supporting UQ policy in relation to the deterrence, identification, diagnosis and treatment of plagiarism.
| 14. Assessment Subcommittee Activities |
http://www.uq.edu.au/academic-board/index.html?page=15004
Recent activities of the Assessment Sub-Committee include:
14A. Overall Review of Assessment Rules and Policies
In an effort to promote greater consistency between the General Awards Rules (GARs) and the Handbook of University Policies and Procedures (HUPP) the ASC has initiated a review of assessment related rules and policies. A comprehensive review of the GARs will be undertaken throughout 2007 and Rules amended where appropriate. Approved changes will then inform a further review of related assessment policies. A small working group will be convened to conduct the review and will work closely with the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) to coordinate and align changes to the objectives of the new Teaching and Learning Enhancement Plan.
14B. Grade Distribution
Throughout 2006 the ASC has been investigating changes in grade distribution from 1997 onward. Further, more detailed analysis of data is currently being undertaken to explore possible reasons for apparent grade inflation over this time, especially in light of the shift from norm-based to criterion-referenced assessment practices.
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