Learning and teaching
The Growing Esteem strategy of the University of Melbourne is conceptualised around a triple-helix metaphor with the strands of research and research training, learning and teaching and knowledge transfer.
The second strand – learning and teaching – refers to our curriculum (or our courses and subjects) and to the experience of being a student (such as study groups, support services and scholarships). Learning and teaching has been of great importance to the University since its orgin in 1854, and with the inception of the Melbourne Model undergraduate and graduate education have continued to be a central focus of thought and investment at the University.
In 2006, the Growing Esteem strategic plan articulated the University’s desire to:
1. Plan the transition to the Melbourne Model by:
- reviewing all courses, and planing the transition to the Melbourne Model over 10 years
- ensuring that the best and brightest are attracted to the new model
- preparing to manage transition, with particular regard to workloads
2. Implement the Melbourne Experience by:
- encouraging, assessing and recognising good teaching practice
- designing courses and methods to make best use of online facilities
- ensuring that the Melbourne Experience is an international one
- building student support services, including transition support to employment
- progressively renewing physical infrastructure to support learning
3. Ensure access for the best and brightest by:
- continuing to attract the best and brightest students
- addressing financial barriers, including expanding scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students through a scholarships fund
- rethinking admissions processes at undergraduate and graduate levels
The learning and teaching portfolio is under the responsibility of the Provost and more information about implementation of the strategy is available on the learning and teaching webpage.
The Provost with the support of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate Research) and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching, Learning & Equity) oversee the programs, policies and practices that affect the direction of academic life and the provision of student support services.
In collaboration with the Academic Board, Deans and senior professional staff, the Office of the Provost develops and supports implementation of policies related to the academic life of the University as a whole, with a view to the delivery of curricula and a Melbourne Experience based on the provision of high quality, consistent student support services.