[Foundations] Values underlying T&L programs: the perspectives of 6 universities

[John Willison]

Dear all

In reponse to our previous email re: values underpinning 
orientation/foundation/
grad cert/grad dip/masters in HE programs, 1 NZ, 1 NSW, 1 Vic, 1 WA and
2 Q'land unis have given their perspectives. 17 comments about 1 or more
of these programs are loosely 'clumped' according to 4 (untitled)
themes, and the other 6 comments are unclumped:


Service to one another and to our communities
To build a community of learners - experienced and novice teachers
working together
To build commitment to, understanding of and alignment with the Values
of the institution
Connection - a desire to see staff connected with each other, with us,
with the wider university community and with its values and vision.'
Encourages learning community
To enhance the scholarship of teaching and learning as part of a
'community of practice' within and across faculties (also fits nicely in
the cluster below)


Commitment to research-led teaching
A design that encourages SOTL, ie a reflective, evidence-based approach
Provide a framework for university teachers to promote excellence in
student learning outcomes as the objective and are underpinned by the
philosophy of good teaching.
Strive for excellence in all aspects of learning where teaching and is
valued, learning is active, authentic, informed by research and
scholarship and governed by ethical standards.


Flexibility -  out of respect for the workloads academics have, and the
various contexts they work in
To be responsive to the experiences and needs of participants
Commitment to authentic situated learning
Orientation to the cognitive and social dimensions of the professional
practice of teaching in higher education.


Learning throughout life 
Encourages a commitment to ongoing PD  
Intellectual responsibility and independence


Integrity and ethical practice

A commitment to standards - articulating and validating them
 
A design that encourages leadership in teaching

"Survival"

Promotion of diversity 

Purposeful change, continual improvement and sustainability




Are some of the above values that underpin your T&L programs? Do you
have different values to add to these?

Please provide your perspective on values to the discussion list, so
that we all build an understanding of our values as we prepare for the
foundations colloquium, and the workshop on values.

Many thanks for the contributions so far, and the ones to come.

Regards

Coralie and John