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Learning and Teaching Policy

Policy overview

1 Purpose

To provide a framework for learning and teaching across the University.

2 Scope

This policy applies to learning and teaching undertaken in the University's Coursework Programs and Courses.

3 Policy Statement

The University is committed to the continuous enhancement of the quality of learning and teaching, and to promoting a culture of learning and teaching excellence.

This Policy aligns with the:

  • Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021: Standard 3.1 Program (Course) Design, 3.2 Staffing

4 Principles

  1. Teaching is scholarly, research-informed and discipline-specific.
  2. Excellence in learning and teaching is enabled by Student-centered and fit for purpose virtual, physical and social learning environments.
  3. Learning and teaching practices accommodate the diverse backgrounds and needs of Students and ensure teaching is focused on supporting Graduate Attributes, as outlined in the Graduate Attributes Policy.
  4. Learning experiences are designed to allow Students to develop knowledge and skills through active engagement with learning materials.
  5. The University values and recognises innovation and excellence in learning and teaching practice and supports continuous review and improvement of all aspects of teaching.
  6. Academic Employees participate in professional reflective practice and ongoing professional development activities, and are supported to strive for excellence in teaching practices consistent with the University's mission and strategic objectives.
  7. Teaching quality is measured through the application of a set of accountability measures and presented in a framework based on thresholds approved by Academic Board.
  8. Teaching staff are available to Students seeking individual assistance with their studies, at set and publicised times, taking into account the learning needs of the Student cohort.

5 References

Nil.

6 Schedules

This policy must be read in conjunction with its subordinate schedules as provided in the table below.

7 Policy Information

Accountable Officer

Provost

Responsible Officer

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs)

Policy Type

Academic Quality Policy

Policy Suite

Equivalence of Experience and Expertise with Academic Qualification Levels Procedure

Subordinate Schedules

Approved Date

6/8/2024

Effective Date

6/8/2024

Review Date

15/11/2027

Relevant Legislation

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011

Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021

Policy Exceptions

Policy Exceptions Register

Related Policies

Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Policy

Academic Programs and Courses Quality Policy

Admissions Policy

Assessment Policy

Code of Conduct Policy

Coursework Curriculum Design Policy

Graduate Attributes Policy

Student Academic Integrity Policy

Student Expectations and Responsibilities Policy

Related Procedures

Admissions Procedure

Assessment Procedure

Course Management Procedure

Program Accreditation Procedure

Student Academic Misconduct Procedure

Related forms, publications and websites

11 Minimum Requirements for Online Teaching and Learning

Academic Development SharePoint site

Definitions

Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary

Assessment

The process of evaluating the extent to which Students have achieved the Learning Outcomes of a Course....moreThe process of evaluating the extent to which Students have achieved the Learning Outcomes of a Course.

Course

A discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade....moreA discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade.

Coursework Program

A sequence of study consisting predominantly of Coursework....moreA sequence of study consisting predominantly of Coursework.

Employee

A person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University....moreA person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University.

Graduate Attributes

Qualities, skills and disciplinary expertise that Students should develop during their time with the University and which are valued by the University community, employers and society....moreQualities, skills and disciplinary expertise that Students should develop during their time with the University and which are valued by the University community, employers and society.

Learning Outcomes

The expression of the set of knowledge, skills and the application of the knowledge and skills a person has acquired and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning....moreThe expression of the set of knowledge, skills and the application of the knowledge and skills a person has acquired and is able to demonstrate as a result of learning.

Policy

A high level strategic directive that establishes a principle based approach on a subject. Policy is operationalised through Procedures that give instructions and set out processes to implement a Policy....moreA high level strategic directive that establishes a principle based approach on a subject. Policy is operationalised through Procedures that give instructions and set out processes to implement a Policy.

Student

A person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled....moreA person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled.

University

The term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland....moreThe term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland.

Definitions that relate to this policy only

Keywords

Learning management system, learning and teaching principles, quality assurance

Record No

13/48PL

Complying with the law and observing Policy and Procedure is a condition of working and/or studying at the University.

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