Research Informed Teaching – a summary

1. Research Informed Teaching – a summary Dr Susan Hill and Assoc Prof Tony Fetherston Research Informed Teaching at ECU – A Summary

2. Rationale • First Steps • Challenges and Implications • Goals for Research-Informed Teaching at ECU: • Clearly define what is meant by research-informed teaching at ECU; • Promote learning as the bridge between teaching and research; • Foster student-focused approaches to teaching and learning; • Develop an undergraduate research ethos; • Develop students’ inquiry skills; • Influence course design; and • Inform academic development initiatives. • All students need to develop the skills of critical inquiry, such as critical thinking, reflection and analysis, problem-solving, and the ability to apply evidence-based solutions; • Students need to understand the role of research and how knowledge is constructed and produced within their discipline; • Students need to develop a conscious understanding of the disciplinary perspective; • Traditional methods of university teaching are not necessarily effective or appropriate for developing critical inquiry skills nor motivating and engaging today’s learners; and • The university teaching environment itself needs to model to students ways of learning that involve critical reflection and inquiry. • A model of research-informed teaching for ECU has been developed in this discussion paper that seeks to link: • disciplinary teaching; • disciplinary research; and • the scholarship of teaching and learning Summary • Greater integration of research and teaching has been recognised as a key strategy and requirement for universities to be able to meet the needs of graduates in the 21st century and beyond . • Through its funding compact with the Australian Government, ECU is now committed to strengthening the links between teaching and research • A policy on research-informed teaching has been formally adopted by the University Research Informed Teaching at ECU – A Summary

3. Possible Uses of the Model • The Model • We envisage that the model will promote discussion within Centres, Schools and Faculties and serve as a basis for the development of a coherent approach to research-informed teaching at ECU as well as serving as a focus for evaluation. • Our Hope • Promote Learning as the Common Focus of Teaching and Research • Build a Strong Culture of Teaching as Scholarship • Encourage Student-Focused Approaches to Teaching and Learning • Develop an Undergraduate Research Ethos • Develop Students’ Inquiry Skills • Influence Course Design • Inform Academic Development Initiatives The Model Research Informed Teaching at ECU – A Summary