[Foundations] Values underlying T&L programs: -response to perspectives

[Gail Wilson]

Dear colleagues
 
In response  to Coralie and John's posting below, I thought I might comment from the perspective of a university that is only starting to offer an extended Foundations program next year and a pathway to a Graduate Certificate (although we have had a one day Introduction to Learning and Teaching for 2 years ).
 
These examples below reflect a combination of broad value statements and statements which reflect the processes of learning within the program itself. I am interested in knowing by what processes those of you who have these programs arrived at the value statements ascribed to them.  For example, I am setting up a Reference Group to help me steer the preparation  of the program in first semester of next year. We also have an Induction Working Party that reflects a large cross section of the University - both groups could be asked to engage with the ideas of values for this program. 
 
Any comments would be welcomed.
 
Thanks
Gail
 
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Gail Wilson
Lecturer in Educational Development
Educational Development Centre
University of Western Sydney
Building 0, Kingswood Campus
Penrith South DC 1797
Phone: 61 - 2 - 4736 0073 (Ext  2073)
Email: g.wilson at uws.edu.au
Mobile: 0404 845 793
 

________________________________

From: foundations-bounces at lists.vuw.ac.nz on behalf of John Willison
Sent: Tue 10-Oct-06 10:53 AM
To: Foundations at lists.vuw.ac.nz
Subject: [Foundations] Values underlying T&L programs: the perspectives of 6universities



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
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