Teaching Enhancement Program

Semester 1, 2008 Teaching Enhancement Program
(formerly known as the STARR/STEP programs)

The Teaching Enhancement Program is an orientation program established to support and strengthen new lecturers in the scholarship of teaching and learning within the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. It is specifically designed for teaching staff new to lecturing, returning to teaching or taking on a more substantial lecturing commitment. However, new staff with some experience in lecturing who are new to the Faculty of Economics and Commerce at the University of Melbourne are also most welcome and may benefit from the discussion of aspects of teaching that are unique to the Melbourne Model and the associated graduate attributes.

The program is designed to assist you to:

• Improve the quality of your teaching.
• Improve your students' learning outcomes.
• Advance your scholarly approach to teaching and learning in the Faculty.

Stage 1
Group workshop

This initial workshop provides new academic staff from across the Faculty with a forum to discuss issues associated with teaching and learning. You will be introduced to the scholarship of teaching and learning and shown how to begin to develop your teaching portfolio – a document that systematically presents your experience in relation to teaching, its application and its outcomes. Lunch will be provided.

TBA

Stage 2
Individual consultation with TLU academic staff

At this individual consultation you will have an opportunity to learn about the teaching culture in the Department and Faculty, discuss expectations in relation to teaching and learning, and hear about the range of support services and resources available from the TLU, including online resources. By this second stage, two mentors – one from your discipline and one from the TLU – will have been appointed. In this consultation you will also be able to clarify the expectations and role of your mentor, particularly in relation to the review process.

Contact the TLU to make an appointment with your TLU mentor during weeks 1 or 2.

Peer observations

Having a number of colleagues who are interested in supporting new staff in their teaching and learning is an important aspect in your overall orientation to the Faculty. Peer observations are intended to provide you with constructive feedback on your teaching by both your TLU and Department mentors. In this stage, both mentors will observe two separate classes and you will also have an opportunity to observe a class taught by your Department mentor. This process is confidential and developmental rather than evaluating.

Contact both your Department and TLU mentors to arrange a mutually suitable time in weeks 4 or 5.

Stage 3
Observation debrief

This debriefing session is optional and is an opportunity for you and your mentors to reflect on the review process with a view to planning for the future development of your teaching practice.

Contact your Department and TLU mentors to arrange a mutually suitable time following your class observations.

Stage 4
Final group workshop

The final workshop provides and opportunity for you to discuss matters related to your experience of teaching in the Faculty, in a collegiate environment. This session also builds on the initial introduction to the scholarship of teaching and learning within the disciplines. You will have an opportunity to learn about recent research in teaching and learning conducted in your discipline areas, and to see examples of teaching and learning research projects that have been undertaken by colleagues in the Faculty. Lunch will be provided.

Additional Resources can be found here