Synopses & Reviews
This book is aimed at people taking on the challenge of managing a teaching module or course for the first time, and should also be a valuable resource to colleagues with some experience who wish to review and formalise their development in this area. Some colleagues will come to teaching management enthusiastically as something that interests them personally and professionally, others may find themselves persuaded or volunteered, but in either case this book should act as a guide and a framework for navigating what is often something of a neglected subject. Unfortunately the first-time module organiser or course director has little to turn to beyond what their institution provides in the way of tailored resources, yet this book aims to remedy this, as a practical guide that realistically reflects the context of teaching in higher education, linked to sound learning principles, and grounded in some well-established models of good management. The emphasis throughout is on simple but useful messages, tools that can readily be applied or adapted, and on bringing these to life with meaningful examples and illustrations.
With example from different levels of study, modes of study, subject disciplines and different ideas and values the book considers the difference between courses structured around classroom teaching and assessment by traditional examinations, and a distance-based programme of study assessed through project work and tutor-marked assignments. By focussing on the core elements of teaching management such as planning, delivery, and building the programme team, and illustrating each of these with examples reflecting a wide range of situations this introductory guide is the perfect route map for a career in teaching in higher education
Synopsis
Leading Learning and Teaching in Higher Education brings together contemporary ideas on leadership, engagement and student learning into a practical solutions-based resource designed for those undertaking the challenge of leading a university-level teaching module, programme or suite of programmes, particularly through periods of transformation or change. It encourages both first time academic leaders and those who have held teaching leadership roles for some time to review and formalise their development in a systematic, simple way and acts as a framework for navigating the opportunities and challenges involved in inspiring shared purpose, strong commitment and innovation in higher education teaching.
With a clear focus on the energy of leadership rather than the practice of management, and with a strong emphasis on collaborative engagement running throughout, this books offers:
- Insightful guidance which is not bound to subject-specific requirements, making it relevant across the spectrum of course offerings at any one institution.
- An enabling, people-focussed foundation for leadership.
- Tools and frameworks which can be readily applied or adapted for the reader.
- A focus on core elements of teaching leadership, such as design, delivery, assessment and building a programme team.
- A flexible and pragmatic approach to leadership which avoids a definitive approach, instead encouraging a dynamic method of engaging leadership.
- Values that assert that leadership and learning go hand-in-hand.
- A wide-ranging discussion of leadership theories, ideas and values related to the university context.
This book puts forward a multifaceted model of programme leadership and links this to a scaffolding of key attributes, skills and qualities that fit the environment of leading learning and teaching in the university. Particularly interested readers will be those beginning to lead teaching in a university setting as well as those who have been leading programme teams and the wider provision of teaching for some time wanting to enhance their skills and perspective.