This project is led by Denise Chalmers and is coordinated and funded by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC). The major outcome of this project will be the development and implementation of a framework that identifies indicators and outcomes of teaching quality at the institutional and individual levels. The framework will be primarily methodological in nature, making use of new and existing data gathered systematically within an institution. The framework will also identify systems and processes that will support and value teaching quality.

There will be a number of sub-projects undertaken in order to achieve the overall project outcomes.

Stage 1

• The initial project will examine ways in which quality teaching is recognised and rewarded at the individual, institutional, national and international levels. It is argued that quality teaching is recognised and rewarded differently at these levels, and that there is little relationship between what is recognised and what is rewarded. It is also argued that there is little agreement between and within the levels on what constitutes quality teaching. The first stage in testing this argument is to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape in terms of what is currently recognised as quality teaching at each of the four levels. Following this overview, it is intended that a Framework will be developed that will propose indicators of quality teaching at each of the levels. An examination on the ways in which quality teaching is rewarded will also be undertaken at the individual, institutional, national and international levels. The methodology will include ongoing consultation at the four levels, empirical research, literature review and environmental scanning.

Stage 2

• Following the development of the Framework, and with extensive consultation, it will be trialled in a limited number of universities and higher education institutions to test its usefulness. This will involve examining and revising the relevant policies and practices that impact on the quality of teaching and learning, establishing the necessary infrastructure and systems to gather and interpret the data and implementing strategies to build a culture that values, recognises and rewards teaching quality.
• Following the trial, the tools and matrices, case studies and guidelines for implementing the framework will be made widely available and promoted within the sector.

Implementation strategy

1. A project team will be established by Denise Chalmers and Professor Judyth Sachs. Denise Chalmers will lead the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) project and Stage 1. Professor Judyth Sachs will lead the pilot institutions.
2. The project will be coordinated and funded by Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC).
3. The team will carry out Stage 1 of the project and identify pilot universities for Stage 2.
4. The AVCC group of DVC/PVC(A)s have agreed to the project in principle at their November 2006 meeting, attended by Professor Judyth Sachs and Denise Chalmers. A letter confirming this support was provided by Professor Peter Booth, Chair of this group, to Professor Richard Johnstone.
5. A Reference Group comprising members of the DVC/PVC(A), DEST, AUQA and key stakeholders has been established. The Reference Group will meet with the project team leaders at least twice yearly.
6. Principles that underpin the Framework will be developed through a process of wide consultation and with the agreement of the sector.
7. Evaluation and dissemination strategies will be embedded throughout each of the stages. Engaged dissemination strategies, as outlined in the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Dissemination Framework, will be the main strategies utilised.
8. The framework will be developed to include shared indicators and outcomes that can be used as benchmarks across the system. In addition, flexibility will be a feature so that institutions can capture particular dimensions that might be common through established associations (eg Go8, ATN, regional) or individual institutional missions.
9. The project will be collaborative, with institutions involved as valued members of the project and the process.

General queries: Kate Thomson kate.thomson@mq.edu.au

Project Leader: Denise Chalmers denise.chalmers@uwa.edu.au