Flinders Foundation of University Teaching

Introduction

In line with the University’s principles and policy framework for education, teaching and learning, Staff Development and Training Unit has developed a comprehensive professional development course, ‘Flinders Foundations of University Teaching (FFOUT) Program’ that will enable all recently appointed academics, especially those who are new to university teaching, to gain a better understanding of the various requirements of Flinders University in relation to teaching and learning. The Program is open to all academic staff who wish to develop their teaching skills. However, academic staff who are new to Flinders University are required to participate in this course as stipulated in our current Collective Workplace Agreement, 2006-2008, Clause A27.1.

The Program endeavours to promote an interactive learning environment with an array of collaborative learning projects, workshops and reflective writing processes that will assist participants to develop networks within the university and a theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary developments in teaching and learning. The main objectives of the program are to cater to the immediate needs of the newly appointed academic staff and to provide them with an opportunity to develop a pragmatic approach to teaching and learning as well as to build a support network of academics and other key staff throughout the University.

• This series won the 2001 ALTC Australian Award for University Teaching Institutional Award for Innovative and practical approach to provision of services that enhance the quality of teaching and learning..

Mission

In essence, the FFOUT specifically aims to:

• assist new staff to learn and discuss current theory and research about teaching and learning in higher education
• assist new staff to consider how learning theory can be applied within their own discipline
• provide meaningful, experiential learning opportunities and on-going support for new staff beginning university teaching
• provide access to teaching and learning resources, including models of responsible and effective teaching techniques
• provide a forum in which new staff can critically reflect on, and develop, their own philosophy and practice of teaching
• foster the establishment of supportive and productive networks that assist individual staff, the Faculties, and the University to improve and enhance the quality of teaching and learning at Flinders

Eligibility and Registration Process

Eligibility:

Staff Development and Training Unit (SDTU) has devised a process whereby details of new academic staff members identified by Human Resources Division are forwarded to the respective Faculty Executive Deans to verify the eligibility on a biannual basis.

A list of courses that can be accredited towards your FFOUT completion are available. Click here for list.

Registration Process:

For enquires, please email Kay Govin or call 13828 

Upon verification, the confirmation of attendance form will be forwarded to all eligible participants for completion which should also be duly signed by the participant’s immediate supervisor before returning it to SDTU within the stipulated time frame. As number of participants is limited for effective delivery of the program, early submission of forms is strongly recommended to confirm registration for the Program.

Next intensive core workshop series

Date: 21 to 23 July and 24 September
Time: 9:00 - 4:00
Venue: Rm 329, IST Bld

Program Management

Program Coordinator: Heather Smigiel

Teaching Team Heather Smigiel, Don Houston, Leone Maddox and Ann Luzeckyj

Program Format

The Program will be delivered as a 3 day intensive followed by a 4^th day scheduled two months later including peer review and a personal philosophy of teaching and developing an ongoing personal learning portfolio.

Personal Learning Portfolio Templates

• FFOUT Personal Learning Portfolio - old (DOC 53KB) - Pre 2007
• FFOUT Personal Learning Portfolio (DOC 59KB) –2007 and onwards