Suggests ways of improving the effectiveness of the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) in raising the quality of university teaching, including: (1) the wide reporting of more accurate teaching performance indicators; and (2) a revised university funding model in which university income is based on teaching performance indicators. (EV)

Discusses improvements in university teaching and reports on three initiatives in an Australian university which created opportunities for teachers to share their understandings with others and gain recognition for their contributions. The initiatives centered on the development of Teaching Enhancement Teams--groups of good teachers working…

The School of Physiotherapy at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia, recognizes that learning is influenced by many variables. Therefore, evaluation of teaching and learning should focus on changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior. In 1999, physiotherapy faculty at Curtin University developed Course Evaluation…

This paper utilizes the findings of a small research project into academics' perceptions of the value of formal qualifications in university teaching and learning to reflect upon the current status of teaching and tertiary teaching qualifications in Australia. The findings are based upon a survey of and interviews with participants and…

This booklet, which is intended as a support to the delivery of professional development of Australian literacy educators on critical literacy, presents a seven-step systematic model of all contexts through which a text may be constructed and studied. The first two sections discuss the model's use as a comprehensive framework for future teaching,…

This report summarizes the activities, outcomes, and recommendations of a small Commonwealth Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA)-funded teacher professional development project "Teachers First." Noting that the project delivered a program of professional development informed by the recommendations of the DETYA…

Presents two perspectives on the nature of preservice TESOL teacher education. The management perspective limits professional development and promotes a status quo. The reflective perspective benefits everyone involved, allowing consideration of factors beyond the classroom. A pilot project at an Australian university is described. (SM)

This document reports on a 2001 Australian summit on teacher standards, quality, and professionalism. This invitational activity included approximately 50 senior policymakers, researchers, and practicing teachers who participated in two workshops involving international experts. They identified where the profession should be in relation to…

Offers a view of literacy within the Australian context and traces the progress of two language and curriculum development projects. (AEA)

A study traces changes in teachers' views of inservice education during the first three years of a state-administered teacher development program in Australia. The findings are compared with those of another national study recommending increasing the availability of inservice education. Strengthening current information systems of professional…

Evaluates the efficacy of tip sheets for teachers (n=20) that offer strategies for classroom management related to student behavior problems. Explains that the teachers chose students with behavior problems and used the suggestions from the tip sheets. Presents the results in detail. Includes references. (CMK)

The purpose of this paper is to theorize the author's teaching in a course for experienced university teachers, in a context of increased attention to such courses. The focus in the course is transforming and enhancing ways of being university teachers, through integrating knowing, acting and being. In other words, epistemology is not seen as an…

Most Australian teachers do not hold traditional methods of supervision in very high regard. A more acceptable form of supervision, clinical supervision, utilizes the information gathered from classroom observations to allow the teacher to gain a wider perspective on his or her own performance under non-threatening conditions. A limited survey,…

The use of educational knowledge derived from research and evaluation by Australian teachers was studied. Information was diffused in written and verbal form. Most teachers seemed to prefer acquiring knowledge in interactive situations rather than reading journals. Results suggested better ways to disseminate research and evaluation knowledge.…

Examined implementation of a model for inclusion-related professional development at a disadvantaged primary school in Queensland, Australia. The model focused on school reculturing, collaboration between teaching professionals, and opportunities for individual teacher learning. Found that the model enhanced teachers' sense of ownership and…