Introduction

VU is committed to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching to further improve student learning experiences and student outcomes.

This portal provides access to information on key initiatives in the University which together aim to support staff in their teaching roles, enable them to reflect on the effectiveness of their practice and gain recognition for their ongoing commitment to student learning.

VU Teacher Capabilities

The University has identified a range of key teacher focussed capabilities deemed essential for achieving quality teaching and learning. The capabilities have informed the development of a number of learning and teaching initiatives and provide a framework for examination of professional practice through self reflection, collaborative reflection on teaching (peer review) and student feedback.

The VU Guidelines on Learning that Inform Teaching

The guidelines comprise a set of 16 statements about learning which inform teaching and which are based on educational research. Each guideline is linked to illustrative examples and supporting resources and can be used to reflect on ways to enhance the learning experience.

Collaborative Reflection on Teaching

Collaborative Reflection on Teaching is the VU formative approach to peer review of teaching, which is underpinned by the VU Teacher Capabilities and the
Guidelines on Learning that Inform Teaching.  Collaborative peer review of teaching has gained prominence as an effective way of establishing a reflective approach to ongoing development of teaching and learning.

Student Feedback

The University is committed to responding to student feedback on its teaching and programs and is in the process of redeveloping its student evaluation system to ensure that it is robust, equitable and informative.

Induction for teaching and  extended induction program

The induction for teaching course and the extended induction program are both based on the VU Teacher Capabilities and are offered through the Staff College. They are designed to be flexible in content and delivery to accommodate diversity of teacher role, campus, discipline, experience and availability and in the case of the extended program include a range of negotiated units from the Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education.

Formal qualifications in VET and Tertiary Education

A range of formal qualification options are offered to teaching staff at the University. These include the Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education, the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, the Diploma in VET practice and the Graduate Certificate in VET.

Teaching and Learning Policies and the Blue Guide

Teaching and learning policies and procedures play a vital role in ensuring that we provide high quality programs through transparent and supportive processes and services. The BlueGuide (available in hard copy and online) has been developed to assist staff to work with these policies effectively as well as to provide an overview of issues and opportunities relating to continued improvement of the student learning experience at VU.

Awards for excellence in teaching and learning

The University is committed to recognising and rewarding outstanding contributions to teaching and learning and to assisting staff to gain public recognition through National and State Awards.