Handbook 2009

Teaching and Learning Centre

The Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) operates from within the Library buildings at Murdoch and Rockingham campuses and has an office at the Peel campus. Its role is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning at Murdoch University. It provides leadership and expert support based on current educational theory and research. The TLC works collaboratively with students and academic staff to provide a student-centred learning environment.

The TLC helps both undergraduate and postgraduate students to acquire the learning and study skills required for success at university. Assistance in areas such as academic reading and writing, numeracy and study skills is provided in the context of students’ studies, particularly in their first year, through the Student Learning section of the TLC and the Learning Common in the Library. Support is provided for students who enter the university through special entry programs; specialised help is available for students for whom English is a second language. Study skills resources are available for loan. The TLC offers two for-credit units: TLC120/TLC1201 Introduction to University Learning, for students in transition into the University, and TLC277 From University to Workplace.

A major focus of the TLC is to promote flexible teaching and learning by enhancing student-centred teaching modes and by applying new technologies. TLC staff work collaboratively with staff in the Schools and other areas of the University to develop high quality, well designed teaching and learning materials suitable for flexible delivery. Best practice models of print, online, video and multimedia materials are designed and disseminated through templates, staff development workshops and personal collaboration on special university or discipline-based projects. The TLC operates a modern video and multimedia production unit working with the latest computer-based equipment.

The TLC collaborates with IT Services to manage the University’s Internet-based teaching and learning service and provides assistance to academic staff seeking to use CE6, the University’s online learning management system. In addition, the TLC works collaboratively with IT Services, the Library and Schools to ensure students gain access to appropriate computer networks and the online components of their units. The TLC provides training and support for academic staff to teach online.

TLC staff conduct the School Development Process that provides support to schools in the lead up to their five-yearly review. This assistance includes data collection, graduate attribute mapping, facilitation of employer focus groups and support for flexible unit development and renewal.

The University’s Quality Officers are located in the TLC. This office is responsible for the coordination of Academic Unit Reviews and assists Academic Council’s Academic Quality Audit Committee in preparing for the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) audit.

The TLC conducts research on behalf of the University and academic courses and recently has established a coordination role for assistance with applications for grants from the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching. The TLC also administers appropriate unit and course evaluation activities, and provides a survey and multiple choice exam design and analysis service.

http://www.tlc.murdoch.edu.au/