New learning Institute unveiled for Oxford

Proposals for the University's new Institute for the Advancement of University Learning, which will be formally launced in October, have been approved by Council. The Institute's aim is to preserve, promote, and enhance esteem for learning and teaching in Oxford. It will further the University's commit-ment to the provision of challenging and rigorous teaching by offering a research and development service appropriate to all who teach and every-one who supports learning. For those who teach, the Institute will expand the work of the current Academic Staff Development Committee, providing increased access to expert support and a variety of resources. It will conduct research to enhance understanding of the learning needs of high-achieving students; make accessible the best of the research literature on learning and teaching in higher education; promote practitioner research into learning and teaching; and provide a forum which enables academics to benefit from each other's expertise. For those who support learning throughout the University, the Institute will extend the provision offered by the Staff Development Office. It will work with departments to develop tailored programmes for individuals and groups; and will investigate the use of accreditation frameworks for professional development. Subject to approval by the General Board the Institute will develop the Postgraduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, launched in Michaelmas Term 1999 with eighteen participating academic staff. A formal evaluation of the course has shown that it pro-vides an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of learning and teaching. The Institute's first Director, Suzanne Shale, currently Academic Adviser on Educational Development, said: `The foundation of the new Institute is a reflection of the University's commitment to the provision of world-class teaching alongside the pursuit of world-class research. Our approach seeks to promote research-led teaching in two ways---through teaching enriched by research into the academic discipline, and through teaching informed by research into learning. Building upon Oxford's distinctive educational mission, our approach fits well with HEFCE's guidelines for Teaching Quality Enhancement funding.' During Trinity Term the Institute will consult staff about its proposed activities. Meanwhile any comments and suggestions can be sent to the Head of Staff Development, University Offices, Wellington Square. Fax (2)80300, or e-mail rebecca.nestor@admin.ox.ac.uk (entitled `IAUL consultation').