Introduction & Eligibility
The Teaching and Learning Laboratory runs the Faculty of Engineering and IT Small-Class Teacher Induction and Development Program each semester. This evidence-based program prepares teachers entering the important role of teaching at the University of Melbourne and FEIT, as well as providing foundational skills. The program includes 2 mandatory and 2 optional components. All training provided in this program (whether mandatory or optional) is paid. All sessions are in person.
Small-class teachers include any academic employees teaching into any FEIT subjects other than subject coordinators and lecturers. This includes:
- Tutors
- Graduate Researcher Academic Associates (GRAAs)
- Demonstrators
- Markers
- Teaching Assistants (TAs)
- Head Tutors
Each session type may be attended once only.
Program
Induction Part One: Foundation (Mandatory)
The main induction is a full day workshop (7 hours including two 15-minute paid breaks and one 45-minute unpaid break) where participants will be inducted into the University of Melbourne and FEIT contexts - particularly as they relate to policy, law, and safety - and be introduced to the skills necessary for small-class teaching.
These sessions are experiential in nature - participants will observe, discuss, and practice teaching methods as part of developing these skills.
Remember to both 'enrol' in the module, and 'sign up' to a session.
Induction Part Two: Inclusive Classes (Mandatory)
The Inclusive Classes workshop is a 2.5-hour session where participants will learn ways in which engineering and IT classes may be non-inclusive, and practice strategies for mitigating these issues in their own classes.
This is the same Train-Me module as the Induction Part One. In order to see the Inclusive Classes sessions you will need to select 'Inclusive Education Workshops' from the drop-down menu inside this module to sign up.
Strategies to Engage Students (Optional)
The Strategies to Engage Students workshop is a 3-hour session diving into practical ways to engage students in small classes. Dealing with disruption, engaging 1-on-1, and engaging with whole groups will be practiced as part of these sessions. Common scenarios for new small-class teachers such as "The class is not listening to me" and "How do I help this student who is struggling to complete the task" will be tackled.
Remember to both 'enrol' in the module, and 'sign up' to a session.
Giving Effective Feedback (Optional)
The Giving Effective Feedback workshop is a 3-hour session focused on providing feedback to students, whether written on assessments, spoken in class, or any other channel. Participants will be introduced to learning theory around feedback and its purpose, and use this to practice giving feedback in various forms.
Remember to both 'enrol' in the module, and 'sign up' to a session.
Further Information
If you have queries regarding the program, or any issues signing up, please email tll-feit@unimelb.edu.au