Teaching at UWS
The University of Western Sydney values excellence through learning and teaching, research, and university engagement specifically with the people of Greater Western Sydney (GWS). As a large, multi-campus university we have a rich, multicultural student population that reflects the GWS area. An integrated framework for learning and teaching at UWS has been developed to improve teaching practice and create positive learning experiences for all students. The UWS Teaching and Learning Plan for 2004-2008 [PDF Document, 404KB] aims to “...build [its] reputation for excellence and scholarship in teaching based on the professionalism of its staff and their commitment to students” through articulating key development priorities for learning and teaching.
The Learning and Teaching Action Plan 2006-2008 funds focussed action projects around the following five priority themes:
- flexible and blended learning
- assessment for learning
- enabling initiatives
- engaged learning
- transitions
At the College level, the three Colleges have also developed Learning and Teaching Plans consistent with those of the University. In 2006, Teaching Fellows were appointed in each of the three colleges to assist in the implementation of the college Learning and Teaching Plans.
UWS has adopted a professional development framework for new, fulltime staff and sessional staff. This framework includes a Foundations of University Learning and Teaching Program for all new, fulltime staff appointed at the Associate Lecturer, Lecturer and Senior Lecturer levels. The framework also supports the development of Sessional Teaching by providing three hours of teaching development at the beginning of each semester, for all new sessional staff.
The Resources for Learning and Teaching page provides access to a copy of the Teaching@UWS booklet. Teaching@UWS is produced annually and contains current information and a range of digital resources about learning and teaching.
The Australian Learning and Teaching Council funds national projects relevant to teaching and learning in Australian higher education.