Partners in a Learning Organization: A Student-Focused Model of Professional Development

Abstract

This research report presents a student-focused model aimed at involving students, academics, and administrators in improving and enhancing learning and teaching at a university business school. The “partners in learning” model involves using student feedback to develop curriculum, teaching, and assessment; systematic, in-context professional development; and curriculum review. This longitudinal study reports that without strong educational leadership and organizational commitment, positive change is slow in showing results. The lessons learned are included for university professional developers.

Shelleyann Scott is an Associate Professor, Educational Leadership in Instructional Strategies at the Graduate Division of Educational Research, Faculty of Education in the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Prior to this she was the Coordinator of Teaching and Learning at Curtin University's Business School. Her research interests include professional development, teaching strategies, reflective practice, evaluation and assessment, and technology that facilitate ongoing development of teachers and students.

Kathryn Dixon is the Program Coordinator of the Training and Development courses at Curtin University of Technology. She has experience in school, university, and industry sectors. Her research interests include organizational culture and change and the professional development of adults.