Queensland University of Technology CRICOS No J RWL policy and enabling structures; assessment and implementation issues Prof. Stephen Towers Dean of Studies Office of Teaching Quality 27 October 2009

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R It’s the thing …

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Vision for T&L To provide outstanding learning environments and programs that lead to excellent outcomes for graduates, enabling them to work in, and guide a world characterised by increasing change …

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R What students say … Lecturers and tutors who are in touch with the 'real world' interested in their subjects who will prepare tutorials in line with the beliefs they are advocating and will be accountable for their assessments [But not] …. taking ' real world ' focus too far [to become] a reason not to assist students as we would encounter this in the real world. Fit with [the] slogan … “university for the real world”

Curriculum Decision Making Informs Phase 1: Thinking Ahead (substantive focus) What are the characteristics of good curriculum architecture? Curriculum Design Policy Assessment Policy Work Integrated Learning Policy How should we go about curriculum development? How do we know that the divisions are well-informed and ready to support implementation? Curriculum Development and Approval Policy Customised Ed Policy Informs Phase 2: Development (process focus) Implementation TQ Data Informs Phase 3: Ongoing (QA focus) Are our courses: viable? quality learning environments?; good learning outcomes? Is our current suite of courses strategic? Is curriculum design sound in our current courses? Course QA Policy Informs Strategic Planning Cycle Ideas for new courses Who wants them? Who needs them? What should they look like? (Faculty Strategic Courses Update)

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Curriculum design Curriculum design … one of three principles … –The curriculum embeds real world learning pedagogies. Real world learning and teaching –enables students to experience and understand the relevance of their learning to their work and lives, and –supports the creation of their identity as a professional practitioner. Curriculum elements to support Real World Learning: –work placements, simulations of professional work, and teaching by practising professionals –assessment tasks that encourage students to examine real world issues … –learning that is contextualised to the real world practice of the professions is supported from the commencement of first year study through to the graduate’s transition into the profession.

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Assessment Assessment … one of ten principles –Assessment approaches are consistent with QUT’s approach to real world learning and teaching and include a variety of assessment tasks.

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Satisfaction with group work What students tell us... Approach could be improved : –awarding group mark –manage group dynamics - underperformers –clarity of tasks –difficulties in getting together –language barriers. AUSSE 2008 ITEMQUT FYAus FYDiff FYQUT LYAus LYDiff LY often worked with other students on projects during class 66%45%+21%60%47%+13% often worked with other students outside class to prepare assignments 67%45%+22%68%52%+16% “... the positive is teamwork, but the negative is managing those not contributing...

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Satisfaction with group work What students tell us... Approach could be improved : –awarding group mark –manage group dynamics - underperformers –clarity of tasks –difficulties in getting together –language barriers. Policy approach Purposefully included in the curriculum design: –including FYE principles –‘rule of thumb’ - one unit per semester. Promote use of the Team Work Protocol. Upper limit is 50% of the unit grade on the ‘collective’ component.

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Course Quality Assurance

ICR 2009

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R CCPR Data summaries

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Faculty level data trends Learning environment Outcomes Viability

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Strategic Faculty Courses Update

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Curriculum Development and Approval –Embedded within Academic Plan... to provide examples of how real- world tasks have been incorporated into the curriculum. FAB SFCU Curriculum Concept Plan Curriculum Proposal Academic Plan Business Plan +++ Which may include UAB

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Links QUT positioning < Plans < > Policy < –Curriculum design < –Curriculum Development & Approval < –Assessment < Protocols: Definitions: < –Work Integrated Learning :

CRICOS No J a university for the world real R Questions ? ? ? ? ? ?