Raising the profile of teaching and learning: Scientists leading scientists

Abstract

It has long been assumed that expertise, or profound knowledge in a subject area, is sufficient for effective teaching at the university level. However, lack of student engagement and failure of students to reach set standards have been found to be associated with an inability of academic staff to teach or to construct appropriate assessment components. With this in mind, students are likely to be given less than adequate instruction, reducing their motivation to engage with subject content. This can result in a higher probability of discontinuation in their chosen course of study. Ultimately, student engagement, success and retention can be affected by motivating non-engaged, uninformed academics and the ALTC project 'Raising the profile of teaching and learning: Scientists leading scientists' has focused on ways to do just that.