David Holloway

Teaching is a core activity of universities. As a staff member involved in teaching you are increasingly expected to demonstrate your commitment to and expertise in teaching as well as being broadly accountable for the learning outcomes of your students. Universities have become increasingly sensitive to competition, both within the university sector, as well as from other higher education institutions now offering degree programs such as TAFE, private colleges and institutes. This has produced increased scrutiny of teaching performance internally by peers, supervisors and university management, and externally through audits by the Australian University Quality Agency (AUQA) and Federal Government requirements for access to additional funding. The focus on teaching has been enhanced by the growth of teaching awards, sponsored by the Government and our institutions. Teaching performance can also be important in applying for grants, qualifying for membership of professional societies, and in meeting student and community expectations. A teaching portfolio is becoming the accepted form in which you are expected to demonstrate your commitment to learning and teaching, document your teaching responsibilities, practices and expertise, and provide evidence of your performance as a teacher.