More than 100 QUT academic and professional staff have attained international recognition for their achievements in learning and teaching through the UK Higher Education Academy (HEA).
This builds on QUT’s collaboration with the Australian National University’s Educational Fellowship Scheme over the past two years.
QUT is now one of only four Australian institutions accredited by the Higher Education Academy to directly assess applications for HEA fellowships after strengthening its alignment with the HEA and the UK Professional Standards Framework (PSF) for teaching and supporting learning in higher education.
Dr Abby Cathcart, from QUT Business School, said becoming a Principal Fellow of the HEA had been a transformative process.
“It has not only enabled me to critically reflect on my position as an educator and leader in learning and teaching, but also connected me to a worldwide community of fellows who position high quality higher education teaching as central to supporting student learning,” Dr Cathcart said.
“Early-career academics at QUT and beyond who have achieved fellowship have used that to enhance their employability.”
QUT will launch its new Academy of Learning and Teaching (QALT) this month as part of its fellowship strategy and has embedded the PSF as a vehicle to promote professional learning and recognition of staff committed to learning and teaching support.
“The new QUT academy will support academy members and HEA Fellows to make an important contribution to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching at QUT through mentoring and supporting others,” said QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Suzi Vaughan.
“It is through this vision that new ways of thinking and working and curriculum transformation are being realised,” Professor Vaughan said.
“QUT staff members are now recipients of 100 Australian Awards for University Teaching.
“The intersections between QUT’s Real World Learning 2020 Vision, a significant investment in innovative learning spaces, other key professional learning programs such as the Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice, Teaching Advantage Program for doctoral students and the QUT Higher Education Research Network have provided the vital interface for QUT’s HEA fellowship achievements.”
HEA chief executive Professor Stephanie Marshall said she was delighted QUT had reached this milestone.
“Congratulations to each and every one of the 100 Fellows at the University. Fellowship recognises a commitment to teaching at both individual and institutional levels – and that’s excellent news for students and staff," Professor Marshall said.
“Working internationally is incredibly important for the HEA – not least because the sharing of best practice is not restricted by borders and we are extremely well-placed to provide the networks and resources for all our Fellows, wherever they are, to do exactly that.”
QUT is one of five Australian universities that have come together to form the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN).
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT Media, 07 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au
After hours: 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
