Author: Margaret Kiley

University of Adelaide

Keywords: Leap, World Wide Web, Advisory Centre for University Education, Teaching Development Grants, Best Practice Resource Centre.

Article style and source: Moderated. Original ultiBASE publication.

Contents

• Why Leap
• How Leap

Why Leap

'Leap' arose out of a number of concerns. The first was the knowledge that there were many innovative, creative and dedicated teachers at the University of Adelaide and while there are the annual teaching excellence awards, it seemed that there were other ways in which these teachers could be recognised by their peers.

Secondly, given the work of these teachers, it was seen as desirable that others in the University (and outside) could learn from their experiences.

The third concern was that there seemed to be an increasing call on one or two staff members of the ACUE to provide information to other Australian and overseas universities about teaching, learning and curriculum at the University of Adelaide. As the University did not have any form of suitable data base available, it meant that for each inquiry the information had to be sought and written up. This was certainly less than ideal.

Fourthly, it seemed desirable to be able to focus on teaching, learning and curriculum in a University which is already so well known and respected for its research.

How Leap

A web site was created as it was seen to fulfill each of the concerns listed above: it was a means of providing international recognition to the teachers concerned as well as the University generally and it provided a neat and easily accessible form of data base.

With the assistance of Oscar Ferreiro in the University's Educational Technology Unit, 'Leap' was designed and developed ready for launching in August 1995. A major article in the Adelaidean, the University's fortnightly paper, heralded 'Leap's' addition to the University.

A small management committee oversees the work of 'Leap' and helps set direction. In addition, various committee members read the 'Leap' entries and comment on their suitability for publication, based on the following criteria.

Criteria for inclusion include some evidence of:

• a different approach to teaching, learning or curriculum within that discipline
• a student-centred approach to teaching
• the promotion of students as independent and life-long learners
• reflection and continuous improvement
• evaluation of the project
• the interest of the developer to share experiences, to collaborate with others and to learn from the experiences of others.

Following very recent consultations with staff interested in the further development of 'Leap' it is anticipated that greater student involvement in 'Leap' will be sought. In addition, details will be provided regarding the outcomes of all Teaching Development Grants (at the moment not all are on 'Leap') and details of use will be regularly provided. Ways of more effectively evaluating 'Leap' and its impact on teaching, learning and curriculum at the University of Adelaide will also be developed.

Contact for further information Chris Ingleton: christine.ingleton@adelaide.edu.au
Click here for an update of the project

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