Academic and Educator Development Framework: Teaching Practice This section outlines the skill sets that underpin the Academic and Educator Capability Development Framework for Learning and Teaching activities 1
Teaching Engage students through quality teaching and learning design The Learning Design and Teaching and Assessment skill sets cover the formulation of objectives and outcomes, content selection, the design of teaching activities and assessment tasks, and the design of pathways between qualifications. There is a focus on the principles and practice of teaching and learning facilitation across all AQF levels, with particular emphasis on the capacity to work within a diversity of teaching contexts and address the learning needs of multiple cohorts. Learning Design Skill Set Applies a critical understanding of innovative curriculum, contemporary pedagogy, current policy and regulatory requirements to the design inclusive curriculum and personalised learning pathways appropriate to diverse cohorts Designs teaching, learning and assessment activities that support the achievement of RMIT Graduate Attributes Plans for and deliver teaching and assessment that scaffolds and supports independent learning Engages industry, professional and enterprise expertise to advise on and review the relevance of teaching and assessment activities to the development of work skills and knowledge Designs clear and coherent educational pathways that enable ease of progression between disciplines, levels and locations Addresses feedback from students and industry/community stakeholders in program and course design Designs work-integrated learning experiences that are responsive to industry and enterprise needs Applies digital technologies to extend learning opportunities and build communities of practice Teaching and Assessment Skill Set Facilitates transformative learning by drawing on innovations in tertiary pedagogy Delivers stimulating and varied learning and assessment experiences Actively engages in opportunities for continuous improvement Delivers assessment strategies that are aligned with RMIT assessment principles Provides inclusive learning environments that cater for student diversity Provides constructive and timely feedback and access to support 2
Teaching Engage students through quality teaching and learning design The Scholarly Teaching skill set covers professional engagement with current ideas in teaching and critical reflection of teaching practice and student learning. Teachers may also engage in the formal scholarship of teaching, where they explore, test, practice, document and communicate innovative pedagogical knowledge and learning designs. Scholarly Teaching Skill Set Enhances educational knowledge and skills through critique of own practice, application of academic research findings and feedback from peers and students to improve the student experience Reviews and enhances the quality and relevance of teaching and assessment Engages in discussion and debate about educational theory and practice to shape individual and program team practice Analyses data and feedback to critically reflect on and improve own teaching and learning facilitation Engages in professional development activities and networking Presents own practice, perspectives, analyses and experiences to others, inviting critique and comment (may be documented and subject to peer review) 3
Engagement Work with others to maximise impact and public value This Engagement skill set concerns interaction with the university, the education sector, communities, industries, professions, business, cultural and arts organisations, discipline bodies, and government agencies - locally nationally, and internationally - for the mutually beneficial development of shared goals, commitment, co-operation and two-way trust in a context of networking, partnership and reciprocity. Engagement can positively influence the development and dissemination of knowledge and skills for the benefit of culture, society, and public policy. Participates in industry and academic associations and networks to influence the development of new knowledge and its application in learning and assessment. Collaborates with industry, community partners and alumnus networks to design, co-deliver & evaluate programs. Shares knowledge and experiences within teams and across portfolios, schools and Colleges to solve problems and generate innovation. Establishes opportunities with industry/community partners for students to develop enterprise and entrepreneurial skills through projects and work placement with outcomes that benefit all parties. Enables staff engagement in leading edge industry/community practice. 4
Currency Ensures ongoing knowledge of subject area in theory and practice The Currency skill set relates to the ongoing development of disciplinary and vocational knowledge and engagement in professional activities that ensure currency of knowledge and practice. In this context professionals apply academic and industrial research findings to enhance disciplinary/ vocational knowledge and skills. Enhances disciplinary and industry knowledge and skills by analysing research findings and feedback from scholars within and across disciplinary fields, and industry networks and partners Undertakes research in disciplinary and vocational field(s) and apply findings to planning and delivery of learning and teaching Engages with peers in universities and other knowledge producing institutions to critique disciplinary and vocational knowledge and contributes to the development and dissemination of new knowledge Engages with disciplinary and professional associations to maintain currency with developments in knowledge within one s own and related fields Extends and transforms disciplinary/ vocational knowledge and skills 5
Quality Maintains knowledge of regulation and standards in developing practice The Governance skill set concerns awareness of the impact of external and internal standards and regulations on the delivery of programs and courses and associated student support, and the capacity to work effectively within RMIT program, school and university level organisational structures. Quality and Continuous Improvement encompasses evaluative practice at course, program and institutional levels and refers to standards, systems, procedures and practices for formally reviewing program implementation and the quality of the student experience, documenting good practice and issues for improvement, and engaging in continuous improvement activities. Government and Organisation Skill Set Aligns all work practices to RMIT s values, mission and strategic plan Maintains and applies knowledge of external and RMIT governance and organisational requirements and procedures to all aspects of professional role. Applies RMIT s academic and student administration policies, procedures and Instructions to ensure quality assurance of teaching and learning. Ensures learners are informed of their rights and responsibilities in line with RMIT policy. Ensures that all work concerned with student matters conforms to the principles of ethical conduct and RMIT policy. Uses RMIT policies and procedures to guide transactions with University Service units relevant to role. Quality and Continuous Improvement Skill Set Leads and participates in formal program evaluation processes. Seeks regular formal and informal feedback from students on their experience of learning and assessment and uses this as input into course and program improvement strategies. Uses multiple sources of evidence in engaging with the program team and industry/community partners to review learning and teaching practice. Reviews formal student feedback data to reflect on teaching practice and identify opportunities for improvement. Engages in critical reflection on own teaching practice drawing on latest development/research in tertiary pedagogies. Uses evidence from a range of sources to enhance quality of and innovation in learning and teaching practice. 6
Technology Deploys information and educational technologies to enhance practice The Technology skillset refers to the ability to use digital content, tools and technologies to enhance student learning, and also to the application of technologies to local and global communication and collaboration. Digital technologies offer the opportunity to extend our reach and shape innovation. Uses digital infrastructure, content, tools and technologies to enhance and enrich student learning experience across all locations and time zones. Applies technologies to enable students to connect and partner with each other, teachers, the wider community and industry. Applies digital technologies to enhance team, partner and organisational communication and collaboration. Uses data and learning analytics to provide better learning experiences for students. Maintains currency with and critically evaluate developments in digital technologies. 7