Teaching principles and strategies
Translating teaching principles into practice
The following five principles and their associated practices have been primarily derived from the University's Code of Conduct for Teaching and Learning, Code of Conduct in Supervision, Policy on Generic Attributes of Graduates and the selection criteria for the Teaching Excellence Awards.
The Code of Conduct for Teaching and Learning states:
The University undertakes to provide a secure, supportive, yet challenging environment for teaching & learning and research supervision - an environment in which students will be stimulated to reach a high level of intellectual attainment.
The principles provide a framework for lecturers and tutors to work within in order to achieve teaching practices that are not only rewarding for students but also those who contribute to their learning.
Context for teaching & learning at UTAS
Principle 1: Clear communication with students
Practices:
- Intended outcomes, including generic graduate attributes, and expectations are communicated effectively and discussed with students
- Effective and sympathetic guidance and advice is provided to students
- Communication between students and teaching faculty is encouraged
- Opportunities for one-to-one discussion (student/lecturer) is provided
- Alternative communication arrangements for students studying either internally, externally by distance education or online is provided.
Principle 2: Stimulating learning environment
Practices:
- Innovative methods of design and delivery of content and course material is undertaken
- Curiosity in the subject area is encouraged
- Independent learning by students is encouraged
- Critical thinking skills in students are developed
- Variety of teaching strategies and learning activities are provided.
Principle 3: In-depth knowledge of the subject area
Practices:
- Recent developments in the field of study are incorporated
- Scholarship/research within the subject area is undertaken
- Opportunities for students to relate their learning experience to the workplace/community is provided where appropriate
- Content and teaching strategies are reviewed regularly.
Principle 4: Provision of effective assessment and feedback
Practices:
- Assessment is linked to unit outcomes
- Expectations in relation to workload are realistic
- Explicit criteria for assessment are discussed with students
- Appropriate and varied assessment activities are provided
- Consistent, constructive and helpful feedback on assessment is given
- Continuous assessment, both summative and formative, is carried out over the teaching semester.
Principle 5: Evaluates, monitors and improves teaching practices
Practices:
- Regular feedback from students is sought
- Feedback from peers to enhance teaching is encouraged
- Reflection on teaching practice occurs regularly
- Professional development activities in relation to teaching and subject area(s) are undertaken.
Links to useful references and resources are also available.