Summary of GCUT subjects
* Download summary of GCUT subjects, including draft schedule
497-802 Effective University Teaching
This subject will introduce the basic principles of effective teaching in higher education. In a series of seminar/workshops, it will provide an introduction to theories of teaching and learning, and their relationship to practice in the University environment. The topics covered will include fundamental aspects of teaching, such as: working with groups of different sizes; assessment design and implementation; and evaluation of teaching. The subject will also include a survey of widespread learning ‘designs’ such as problem-based and project-based learning. In addition, several contemporary themes in higher education – and their relationship to curriculum – will be explored. These include: the research-teaching nexus; internationalisation of curricula; academic achievement standards; language and learning; and the use of technology in university teaching and learning.
The subject will draw upon participants' experiences, research on effective approaches and practical guides. Participants will also have the opportunity to work in small groups on related projects and in turn to reflect upon group processes and effective ways of conducting team projects.
Offered: Semester 1, 2010
Prerequisite subjects: none
Mode: intensives plus afternoon seminars
497-803 Teaching in Practice
This subject will focus on effective presentation and/or facilitation. It is based on peer review of teaching, and participants will plan and present classes, receiving feedback from colleagues and from CSHE staff. Early in semester there will be supportive micro-teaching sessions, in which participants receive feedback on performance from their peers in the subject, and from CSHE staff. The emphasis will then shift to actual teaching contexts – lectures, discussion groups, or other class types. Participants will work with department colleagues (in the role of ‘peers’) who will observe their teaching and provide feedback. Participants’ teaching will also be observed by a member of CSHE staff.
Offered: Semester 1, 2010
Pre or Co-requisite subjects: 497-802 Effective University Teaching
Mode: afternoon seminars; negotiated individual meetings
497-804 Designing a Curriculum
This subject deals with the principles of curriculum design and the translation of these principles into a program of study in a specific context. It covers the formulation of objectives and outcomes, content selection, teaching activities and the design of assessment tasks. One module deals with designing for web-based presentation. Participants are encouraged to use the experience as an opportunity to work on the design of a curriculum in which they are involved. The subject also provides participants with the experience of reviewing each other's work online.
Offered: Semester 2, 2010
Prerequisite subjects: 497-802 Effective University Teaching
Mode: one full day; afternoon seminars; extensive use of the LMS
497-805 Project on Teaching and Learning
This subject provides participants with the opportunity to investigate an aspect of teaching and learning of mutual interest to them and to their departments. Each participant is required to prepare a proposal for the project, to be approved by CSHE staff, the Department adviser and head of department (since it should be of use to the department). The investigation is conducted over one semester and is the subject of a written report of 5,000 words and an oral presentation to the group.
This subject is one of two electives available as the capstone unit of the GCUT. (see also Specialist Teaching Environments)
Offered: Semester 2, 2010
Prerequisite subjects: 497-802 Effective University Teaching
Pre or Co-requisite subjects: 497-804 Designing a Curriculum
Mode: afternoon seminars; 2 days for presentations; negotiated individual meetings with CSHE staff
xxx-xxx Specialist Teaching Environments
While there are core principles that apply to all university teaching contexts, particular teaching environments are distinguished in terms of the priorities, teaching and learning practices, and the challenges associated with them. Some specialist environments are associated with ‘place’, such as clinical, work-integrated, and online teaching and learning. Others may be distinguished by the nature of the student cohort (e.g. graduate teaching; research supervision) or the disciplinary context (e.g. interdisciplinary teaching). This subject examines the distinguishing characteristics of such environments, and enables participants to focus on the environments of most relevance to their own teaching.
This subject is one of two electives available as the capstone unit of the GCUT. (see also 497-805)
Offered: Semester 2, 2010
Prerequisite subjects: 497-802 Effective University Teaching
Pre or Co-requisite subjects: 497-804 Designing a Curriculum
Mode: 2 day intensive; online; negotiated individual meetings with CSHE staff or affiliates