Unit Coordination - It's Really Team Teaching

The motivation and skill of each person who contributes to the teaching of a unit - be it yourself, other lecturers, lab demonstrators or lab technicians - will have an impact on student learning. As manager of the teaching team, also known as unit co-ordinator, what can you do to foster good teaching, group cohesion and successful outcomes?

Tutors are starting their apprenticeship as teachers, and need your assistance and support in a variety of ways (Carbone, 1998). Do they know the important institutional policies and procedures, such as dealing with cheating, or sexual harassment? Have they been given assistance to develop good teaching methods? Have you included feedback opportunities so they know if they are teaching effectively? McKeachie (1999) advocates weekly meetings with tutors to discuss problems and plans; collecting feedback early from students; and observing classes to discuss your observations.

All the teaching team, whether they are experienced or inexperienced staff, need to know what is expected of them. This prevents problems from arising and allows staff to work independent of your direct involvement. Have you discussed your expectations of attendance, contact hours, testing and grading, teaching methods, and communication with other team members?

Just as your expectations are important, so are the expectations of the students. Make sure they are told that the unit is a team effort. This will encourage them to treat all the teaching staff equally. It also builds a sense of ownership and commitment in the other teaching staff. Can you introduce all teaching staff at the first lecture or list all names on the syllabus in alphabetical order, with the unit co-ordinator's name included but not set apart?

With any team, group cohesion is important for smooth functioning. Often, cohesion is achieved by getting to know each other as people. Can some of your group meetings be held over a casual lunch or barbeque?

Thought given to approaches that will build a successful teaching team will make your role as unit co-ordinator easier and provide better learning outcomes for your students.

• Carbone, E. (1998). Teaching Large Classes: Tools and Strategies. Thousand Oaks : SAGE Publications
• McKeachie, W.J. (1999). Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research and Theory for College and University Teachers. Boston: Hougton Mifflin Company.