Valuing Teaching @ UWA

Teaching Month is all about discovering, discussing, pursuing, celebrating and valuing excellence in teaching and learning. From showcasing innovative approaches and methods to focusing on the finer points of tested-by-time pedagogical tools, Teaching Month encourages UWA staff and students to get thinking about and, most importantly, get talking about teaching and learning issues, ideas and practices and the student learning experience. The theme of Teaching Month 2008 is ‘Diversity in Teaching’, encompassing both a diversity of teaching practices, styles and approaches and the diversity of the university community.

There will be opportunities for everyone to be involved in Teaching Month, which runs from the 1st til the 16th of May. Planning of events is well underway and a provisional timetable of events is provided below. It will be updated as activities are confirmed.

One of the most exciting events of Teaching Month is the Diversity Hypothetical on the 1st of May. To be held in the Sunken Gardens, this event features a number of prominent local and UWA figures, including the exceptional Patti Chong, Samina Yasmeen, Director of the Centre for Muslim States and Societies and Frank Sheehan, from the Centre for Ethics at Christ Church Grammar School, and will be moderated by Reverend Canon Richard Pengelley, UWA’s own Geoffrey Robertson. The Hypothetical, titled ‘Divided we fall: Diversity in the Role of the University Community’, is a performative debate which will explore the notion of community at UWA. It promises to be a lively and entertaining event and the opportunity to see the wonderful panel of speakers in action should not be missed.

The programme of events for Teaching Month will also include faculty-based and hosted events highlighting innovative learning and teaching activities, as well as contributions from Student Services and the Library.

Another highlight will be the public lecture from the Distinguished Visiting Teacher, Professor Geoff Scott, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Quality) and a Provost at the University of Western Sydney.

Teaching Month will feature the second annual VC’s Invitational Lecture, delivered by Associate Professor Geoff Meyer from the School of Anatomy and Human Biology, a lecture embracing the general theme of “Visions of Teaching”.

Students are particularly encourages to get involved with Teaching Month this year. The Guild is hosting a friendly but challenging staff vs. student lunch-time debate, in which students will argue against Lectopia, while staff will argue for it. The Postgraduate Student Association is holding a special Teaching Month session of their Diversity@University seminar series. With the help of the Sport and Recreation Centre, CATL are also planning a staff vs. student ‘Ultimate Frisbee’ match on Riley Oval.

One of the central events of Teaching Month is the Excellence in Teaching Awards. For the first time this year, teaching awards have been managed and awarded at a faculty level. This central ceremony is a university-wide recognition of the achievements of the teaching award recipients. For the first time also, the awards are being held in Winthrop Hall and will be open to the entire university community. In addition to the recognition of faculty teaching award winners, the 2007 Postgraduate Teaching Interns will be presented with their certificates, UWA nominees for the Carrick Australian Awards for University Teaching, and the UWA Teacher of the Year will be announced.

Your contributions are welcome and if you have an idea for an event to promote teaching and learning during Teaching Month, please contact us and we will assist you to plan the event and include it on the calendar.

Please revisit this site as Teaching Month approaches for updates on the programme. We encourage everyone to get involved with some aspect of Teaching Month!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS