Stage 1 Update

Stage 1 of the project is progressing as planned.

Report 1: 'A review of Australian and international quality systems and indicators of learning and teaching' is now available. This report provides an overview of the quality processes and trends in teaching and learning in Australia, and in several OECD countries, and provides an overview of indicators of teaching and learning at the national and university level.

Four dimensions of quality teaching have been identified as critical aspects for quality learning and teaching in universities. The dimensions are not independent, but intersect and interact, such as would be expected to occur in complex organisations. The dimensions are:

1) Institutional climate and systems
2) Diversity
3) Assessment
4) Engagement and learning community

These are developed into tools that can be used to interrogate institutional practice at a number of levels within the institution. The pilot universities will trial these, taking account of their institutional mission and practices to gather relevant evidence and then make thoughtful decisions to enhance the outcomes for students' learning and experiences.

The reports from the other studies are nearing completion and will be made available on this web site shortly.