About Projects

A number of projects have been identified to address one or more of the strategies in the VU Learning and Teaching Support Functional Plan (L&TSFP), which reflects 'Victoria University's pride in, and valuing of, a student cohort that is characterised by diversity, not only as a result of its dual sector nature . but also its cultural, linguistic and geographic diversity'. VU's diverse student cohort 'contributes to a vibrant and exciting learning environment, and demands responsiveness and flexibility in the University's teaching and learning support strategies' (L&TSFP, p. 3).

The projects have been developed in this context and are funded from Teaching and Learning Support's 2005 budget and made available for enhanced teaching and learning support. The focus is on sustainability, through the development of models for future practice, and of resources and infrastructure to underpin that practice. The approach taken is that of evidence-based practice, derived from data collection and analysis within our own cross-sectoral organisation. Student teaching and learning support through these projects will be provided both directly to students and indirectly through capacity building of staff and systems. The projects will provide resources for faculties and schools to collaborate with TLS in addressing VU strategic priorities relating to student learning.

Themes and projects

The projects relate to six major themes:

• Online Student Learning Support
  (Student Learning Services - Amanda Pearce)
  This project supports Task 1 of Strategy 1.2 in the draft Learning and Teaching Support Functional Plan.
• Language across the Curriculum
  (Student Learning Services - Amanda Pearce)
  This project supports Task 2 of Strategy 1.3 in the draft Learning and Teaching Support Functional Plan.
• Transition, Progress and Retention
  (Student Learning Services - Amanda Pearce)
  This project supports Task 4 of Strategy 1.2 in the draft Learning and Teaching Support Functional Plan.
• Student Learning in the Learning Commons
  (Student Learning Services - Amanda Pearce)
  This project supports Task 1 of Strategy 1.11 in the draft Learning and Teaching Support Functional Plan.
• Learning in the Workplace
  (Student Career Services - Joanne Tyler)
  The main focus of this project is to broaden university capacity to deliver the seven models of learning in the workplace identified by the Work Integrated Learning Taskforce.
• Articulation
  (SLED - Tess Demediuk)
  This project is based on establishing a cross sectoral taskforce with the brief to support the development of innovative cross sectoral curricula in the areas of engineering and manufacturing technologies, health a nd allied health and creative and performing arts.