Professional Learning Program

The Australian Catholic University Professional Learning Program (PLP) supports the ongoing learning needs and interests of staff who teach and support learning. The PLP is comprised of four levels of resources designed for all staff from new, early-career staff seeking to orient themselves to ACU and to university teaching and learning, to staff in senior leadership positions seeking to understand and influence the policies, strategies and trends that shape the higher education sector.

Each of the four levels of the PLP align with an Advance HE Fellowship award which is a supported outcome to completion of the resources per level. Internal and external awards for excellence in teaching and supporting learning are further potential outcomes to the PLP as is achievement of formal qualifications in higher education.

Level 1

I'm new what can I do?

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Level 1 is designed for those who are new to tertiary teaching/learning support, and/or those who have some experience but are new to ACU. The focus of this level is to build competent teaching capacity and establish a professional learning pathway.

Level 1 offers a collection of resources to: 

  • orient staff to the ACU context and Mission
  • support development of competence in the Learning Management System (LEO)
  • provide foundational theories and strategies promoting student-centred learning. 
  • offer formal (Graduate Certificate in Higher Education) and informal professional learning resources.

At this level, a target outcome is to pursue recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.


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Outcome: 

Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Level 2

Improving my teaching

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Level 2 focuses on building quality and innovation in teaching. At this level, teachers or support staff in learning and teaching are familiar with ACU resources, policies and procedures involved in supporting learning. They understand key features of a quality curriculum and engaging teaching approaches.

Level 2 offers a collection of resources to: 

    • innovate in their practice and further develop their knowledge and skills
    • support improved student learning experiences and outcomes 
    • develop their career in higher education
    • offer formal (Graduate Certificate in Higher Education) and informal professional learning resources.

    At this level, a target outcome is to pursue recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.


    Get Started

    Outcome: 

    Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

    Level 3

    Teaching Excellence

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    Level 3 focuses on achieving and demonstrating excellence in teaching and learning support.

    Level 3 offers a collection of resources to:

    • support professional learning for staff in teaching leadership roles such as NLIC, LIC, Course Coordinator, or Discipline lead.
    • collaborate and disseminate teaching innovations within and beyond ACU.

    At this level, a target outcome is to pursue recognition as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

     

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    Outcome: 

    Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

    Level 4

    Leadership in Teaching

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    Level 4 focuses on developing strategic organisational leadership. It does not have an explicit teaching focus. Instead, it has a focus on tertiary education structures and settings such as schools, faculties, policies and systems.

    Level 4 offers a collection of resources to:

    • support staff in more senior and strategic leadership positions such as Professor, DHOS, HOS, ADLT and above. 
    • engage with regulatory, strategic, national and international issues and networks to advance higher education outcomes and practices.

    At this level, a target outcome is to pursue recognition as a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.


    Get Started

    Outcome: 

    Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

    Professional Learning Materials

    The Professional Learning Program is organised into formal course work that gains credit points towards a formal award, such as a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education or a Graduate Certificate in Mission and Culture, and informal learning that offers diverse resources as well as resources and networks that support reflective practice and collaboration. ACU Scholarship provides resources that support the pursuit of new knowledge and its application to teaching and learning.

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    Informal Learning 

    Informal coursework that supports learning in diverse domains but does not lead to a formal award.

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    Reflective Practice
    and Collaboration

    Reflective practice and collaboration resources and networks

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    ACU Scholarship

    ACU Scholarship resources to support research and integration of research into teaching and learning

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    Formal Coursework

    Formal coursework that can be accredited to identified postgraduate award courses

    Feedback

    This Q & A forum is to send us feedback, raise questions or share comments on the professional learning program. We look forward to hearing from you. Alternatively, send us an email at CEI@acu.edu.au

    Page last updated on 13/12/2022

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