On Wednesday, June 23, 2010, the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) hosted a follow-up workshop on the recently published book, Taking Stock: Research on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, edited by Julia Christensen Hughes and Joy Mighty. The workshop, part of the 30th Annual Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) Conference, was an opportunity for practitioners from across the country to discuss the findings from the book and drill down into what modifications are needed within the system to affect change in the quality of teaching and learning at our institutions.
Following a presentation by Christensen Hughes and Mighty as well as two authors, Christopher Knapper and Alastair Summerlee, participants were divided into groups and were given a specific issue from the book to address, such as faculty reward structure or administrative leadership and culture. Participants were asked to comment on what they thought were the significant challenges and innovations in these areas, and what system-wide changes were needed.
For example, when asked how to improve the preparation of the professoriate, participants mentioned mandatory teacher training at the graduate level, rethinking the current reward structure, and hiring for teaching expertise, among other things.
To request a copy of the presentation, please email <info@heqco.ca>.
This workshop contributed to HEQCO’s ongoing work in improving the quality of postsecondary education in Ontario’s institutions.
For more information about the book, visit http://mqup.mcgill.ca/book.php?bookid=2425.