1. Unit of study title: Learning Matters at Victoria University

  2. Unit of study code: HET4100

  3. Campus: TBA

  4. Prerequisite(s): Nil

  5. Parent Course: Master of Education

6. Unit of study Aims:

This unit aims to build on the current and prior experiences of participants to extend their knowledge of educational practice and enhance their effectiveness as teachers. It is designed to introduce learners to the systems, structures, principles and practices of teaching at Victoria University .

7. Learning outcomes:

Victoria University teachers will work towards achieving the following Victoria University Teacher Capabilities:

• Teachers understand the multi-sectoral nature of Victoria University and use this understanding to work effectively with colleagues and students.
• Teachers are familiar with Victoria University learning and teaching policies and implications for their practice.
• Teachers use Victoria University systems and structures to support learning and teaching.
• Teachers meet their legal and ethical responsibilities in their teaching role.
• Teachers know how to construct programs, use resources and structure activities which support learning.
• Teachers know how to teach their discipline or field of practice.
• Teachers respond to the cultural and linguistic diversity of their students.
• Teachers regularly reflect on and critically evaluate the quality of student learning, with their students and peers.

8. Content:  

• Victoria University policies with regard to teaching and learning, credit and recognition of prior learning, legal and ethical issues, reporting and assessment, research and graduate studies, student progress and pathways.
• Postcompulsory education in Australia : secondary, TAFE and higher education.
• Cross-sectoral approaches: principles, policies and practices.
• Victoria University policies and procedures, systems and structures which support teaching and learning.
• Victoria University 's students: the challenges and opportunities of diversity.
• Learner-centred teaching: principles and practices.

9. Credit Transfer Arrangements (including Articulation Pathways):

Not applicable

10. Methods of Teaching:

This unit is taught using learner-centred approaches and may incorporate a range of learning activities, such as workshops, discussion with peers either online or face-to-face, inquiry into the participant's own practice or other workplace-based projects.

11. Required Reading :

Biggs, J. 2003, Teaching for quality learning at university: what the student does, 2nd ed., Society for Research in Higher Education and Open University Press, Buckingham.

12. Recommended Reading :

Ramsden, P. 2003, Learning to teach in higher education, 2 nd ed., Routledge Falmer, London .

Smith, E., Keating, J., 2003, From training reform to training packages , Social Science Press, Tuggerah, N.S.W.

Wheelahan, L. 2000, Bridging the divide: developing the institutional structures that most effectively deliver cross-sectoral education and training , NCVER, Leabrook.

Victoria University learning and teaching policies

    13. Class Contact:

  12 hours or equivalent.

14. Assessment:

  A report on an inquiry into learning by students (2000 words or equivalent)