Learning from experience ‐ the teachers as well as the students

Abstract

The University of New South Wales has offered an integrated programme of postgraduate study in higher education leading to three qualifications, since 1991. The programme's primary goal is to prepare university academics to be professional university teachers ‐ teaching being most academics’ second profession. This paper describes the programme, its teaching methods and objectives, and some of the challenges and rewards of offering such a degree programme. Among the challenges for both participants and teachers is to continue to learn from experience; to apply a combination of theory based on knowledge of research, and understanding based on informed reflection on practice; and to improve practice throughout a career, despite bureaucratic and resource constraints. In a programme such as this, all of this happens in an atmosphere that is stimulating, challenging, at times threatening, and above all rewarding.