Professional development for academics

UTS College has a history of quality, student-centricity and innovation. We are focused on supporting our teachers with ongoing professional development, and on developing a culture of academic collaboration and of scholarship. More information about the College’s learning model can be found here.

One of the benefits we offer all our teachers is the opportunity to undertake the College’s Graduate Certificate in Student-Centred Learning. The College drew on its many years of experience and designed this program specifically for practising educators, particularly those in the pathway sector.

This exciting course offers:

  • a fast-track to enhanced skills in student-centric curriculum development and higher education teaching
  • new insights and ways to apply the principles of positive education in higher education
  • a specially designed program to strengthen your learning and teaching practice in transitional and/or higher education.
 

All the College’s Academic Coordinators undertake this program. All sessional staff are required and supported to undertake the first subject of the program and invited to complete the Graduate Certificate should they wish to.

At this point, the College only offers the Graduate Certificate to our staff but we plan to launch this in the future for external candidates also. Please contact Mitchell Osmond for more information.

Meet Mitchell Osmond, Program Manager for the Grad Certificate in Student Centred Learning

This course is a new, innovative way of thinking about student learning with a focus on how students learn, what they experience, and how they engage in that learning context. Through gradual empowerment, student-centred learning prepares students for their future studies and professional lives.

Mitchell is an experienced facilitator, with more than 10 years spent coaching staff in the higher education sector on teaching and learning practices. He is focused on driving innovation within curriculum to increase student engagement and provide authentic learning experiences to prepare students for employment.
Mitchell has a Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) from UTS.

 

Course snapshot

Qualification Graduate Certificate in Student Centred Learning
CRICOS code 103530F
TEQSA code CRS1400850
Duration It is designed to be completed part-time over 12 months
Delivery Mode A combination of online and face to face.
Course summary The course will equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills required to develop and sustain a student-centred approach to learning and teaching in tertiary education. Participants will reflect on their teaching practice and explore new ways of learning and teaching which will help them develop innovative methods and strategies to create engaged, independent and active learners. The challenges of transitional education will be explored with strategies to address students’ learning in a cross-cultural setting.
Course aims
  • An understanding of different student-centred approaches to learning and teaching in a transitional learning setting
  • An understanding of issues that impact on the effective and inclusive use of new technologies in education
  • An ability to reflect critically on and evaluate their own teaching and curriculum and make changes that improve students' learning
  • An understanding of the principles of ‘constructive alignment ’demonstrating consistency between the designed activities and feedback and assessment with the desired learning outcomes.
  • An ability to develop and implement strategies to support students’ learning experiences in cross cultural settings
  • An understanding of Positive Education and its effectiveness in supporting and enhancing student motivation, deep and lasting learning as well as wellbeing.
Course outcomes

1. Professional Skills
1.1: Demonstrate thorough understanding of new ways of learning and teaching.
1.2: Possess the ability to reflect on pedagogical theories and promote an active learning environment.
1.3: Design and integrate digital technologies to promote engaging curriculum.

2. Critical, Reflective and Creative Thinking
2.1: Possess critical thinking to reflect on teaching practices.
2.2: Demonstrate the ability to make judgement about teaching interventions, subject design and assessments.

3. Cultural Competency
3.1 Demonstrate a well-developed understanding of Global Citizenship Education and diverse cultural perspectives.
3.2: Have the ability to apply teaching approaches to support diverse learners.

4. Transferrable Skills
4.1: Analyse and evaluate educational inquiry, investigate problems and develop inventive solutions.
4.2: Possess the capacity to communicate ideas effectively.

5. Positive Education Skills
5.1 Interpret and apply concepts of positive education, diversity, and inclusive and accessible teaching practices.
5.2: Demonstrate ability to connect with students and create a safe and supportive learning environment.
5.3 Demonstrate an understanding of positive interventions to build belonging, wellbeing and resilience.
Course structure

This course will consist of four subjects that is made up of three compulsory subjects @ 6 credit points each and an elective @ 6 credit points.

There are two subjects offered as electives @ 6 credit points each.

Twenty-four credit points are required for completion.
Course subjects

The course consists of 24 credit points* of study, comprising of four subjects (3 core subjects and 1 elective):

Core subjects: (6 credit points each)

  • Student Centred Learning and Teaching
  • Understanding Curriculum and Assessment for Learning
  • Teaching and Learning Across Cultures
 

Elective options: (6 credit points)
Choose one from the following:

  • Positive Education OR
  • Action Research
 

View full subject descriptions
Assessment Methods The course employs a variety of assessments such as reflection portfolios, projects, case studies and presentations to develop students’ attainment of the course intended learning outcomes as well as the subjects learning outcomes.
Entry requirements Minimum bachelor qualification equivalent to AQF 7 and an IELTS 7.0 in all bands.
Cost No cost for UTS College teaching staff
Intake dates

2024:

  • 29 February
  • 9 May
  • 18 July
  • 26 September
Enquiries / to apply Contact Mitchell.Osmond@utscollege.edu.au
 

View full subject descriptions