2024 Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Forum

The Program is now live!  

This November, we will once again host a whole of VU Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Forum, focused on the theme 'OneVU: Enhancing the Student Experience.'

This forum aims to explore innovative strategies and practices that place students at the heart of the educational experience, fostering an environment where they are active participants in their own learning journey.

The program will feature a keynote address, showcase and ignite sessions, workshops including professional learning opportunities and the successful poster session. 

What you can expect

• Explore innovative pedagogies: Investigate student-centred teaching methods that enhance engagement and promote deep learning.
• Empower educators: Provide tools and resources for educators to create more inclusive and participatory classrooms.
• Share best practices: Exchange successful strategies and case studies from diverse educational settings.
• Encourage collaboration: Build a community of educators committed to transforming teaching practices through student empowerment.

Networking opportunities

Connect with fellow educators to share experiences, collaborate on projects, and build lasting professional relationships. 

Program

We have an exciting program this year that features:

• A keynote address by Deakin University Distinguished Professor Liz Johnson, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic 
• 5 showcases
• 12 workshops
• 12 Ignite sessions 
• Poster presentations 
• Networking event
• Plus Thrive* activities at lunchtime

Visit the 2024 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Forum page to browse this year's program.

View program

Keynote

We are excited to announce this year’s Forum keynote address will be delivered by Deakin University Distinguished Professor Liz Johnson, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic. Professor Johnson's keynote titled Re-imagining university learning for contemporary learners will be held in person at Footscray Park on Thursday 28 November. 

Abstract

Australian university education is being re-imagined for contemporary learners. 

As we finally move away from old concepts of university students as school leavers studying via transmissive lectures, new approaches are gathering pace. Decades of educational research have shown what is most effective in fostering learning. Recent external disruptors are making alternative approaches to learning and assessment more feasible and widespread. 

After decades as an alternative, sometimes seen as ‘lesser’, digital teaching became mainstream through the global pandemic. University staff and students found the advantages and challenges of this new mode, noting that emergency remote teaching is not equivalent to well-planned digital learning. However, life, work and study is now irrevocably digital, at least to some degree. Contemporary graduates need digital skills to thrive in the new world.

In parallel, the Australian context poses additional challenges and opportunities. Australia has re-confirmed its commitment to the rich value of diversity amongst students and staff through the University Accord Review. Australian universities are re-thinking where they can best invest for the future in a constrained financial environment, and are considering the specific role of place-based learning. Academic roles and teams are developing in new directions as education-focused roles expand.

This disruptive environment offers exciting pathways for transformation. As we respond to disruptors, we challenge old myths and develop new partnerships with learners and stakeholders. Educators now have the responsibility to build on their successes and put the learning and teaching evidence base to work.

Bio

Deakin Distinguished Professor Liz Johnson leads Deakin University’s ambitious Education and Employability strategy, including the drive to premium digital learning and outstanding student experience.

Liz steered teaching and learning at Deakin through the disruption of the COVID pandemic, building from extensive projects on Deakin’s online learning environment, teaching innovation and course development and staff capability for learning and teaching.

Liz has led whole-of-institution curriculum reform at Deakin and at La Trobe University, and led nationally funded projects on work-integrated learning in science, having trained as a plant biochemist and taught university biochemistry.

This year, Liz is sponsoring work on academic roles, careers and leadership to enhance the experience of all academic staff at Deakin.