Sessional Staff @ JCU Project
The Sessional Staff @ JCU Project aims to identify current institutional practice and improve internal processes and communication to enhance the quality of sessional teaching.The project builds upon Australian Universities Teaching Report (2003a) Training, Support and Management of Sessional Teaching Staff and the RED Report commissioned by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC).
Stage One: Review
An online questionnaire was conducted in 2009 to gain a comprehensive picture of the contribution made by sessional staff and their experiences of teaching and learning at JCU. 312 (61%) current sessional staff responded to the questionnaire.The questionnaire was complemented by thirty two (32) interviews with key stakeholders at a school and/or discipline level and Human Resources personnel.
A summary report has highlighted a number of future recommendations in the following areas:
Management and Employment
Teaching and Learning
Training and Information
Policies and Guidelines
Developing an Inclusive Culture
Evaluation of Sessional Staff
Issues Specific to Industry-based Staff
JCU staff wishing to conduct additional analysis of data collected by the Project are encouraged to contact: sessionalstaff@jcu.edu.au
Stage Two:Develop and Sustain
During the second stage of the project, strategies for managing, supporting and training sessional teaching staff at JCU will be developed in collaboration with schools and embedded within the normal operations of the institution.
An online community will be developed to engage Heads of school, Senior HR personnel, subject co-ordinators and sessional staff members.Feedback mechanisms will also be provided to support the ongoing development of resources to support good teaching practice.
To become a member of the online community, or for further information contact: sessionalstaff@jcu.edu.au
Resources
Introduction to School Checklist
Checkpoint for staff; Before teaching starts
Inclusive Teaching Practice Checklist
Proceedings of the 2009 National Colloquium: Sessional Staff in Higher Education and Vocational Education