COCSL applicants are invited to select one of the following criteria, determined by the nature of their contribution to student learning. The text below each criterion is indicative of ways in which the criterion might be demonstrated. Applicants should not feel limited by these illustrative examples. Expressions of interest and applications will be assessed on evidence provided in relation to the selected criterion.
Criteria one: Approaches to teaching and/or the support of learning that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn
This may include:
- Fostering student development by stimulating curiosity and independence in learning;
- Participating in effective and empathetic guidance and advice for students;
- Assisting students from equity and other demographic subgroups to participate and achieve success in their courses;
- Encouraging student engagement through the enthusiasm shown for learning and teaching;
- Inspiring and motivating students through effective communication, presentation and interpersonal skills;
- Enabling others to enhance their approaches to learning and teaching;
- Developing and/or integrating assessment strategies to enhance student learning.
- Provision of support services or programs that improve the student experience and enable learning.
Criteria two: Development of curricula, resources and services that reflect a command of the field.
This may include:
- Developing and presenting coherent and imaginative resources for student learning;
- Implementing research-led approaches to learning and teaching;
- Demonstrating up-to-date knowledge of the field of study in the design of the curriculum and the creation of resources for learning;
- Communicating clear objectives and expectations for student learning;
- Providing support to those involved in the development of curricula and resources; and
- Contributing professional expertise to enhance curriculum or resources.
Criteria three: Evaluation practices that bring about improvements in teaching and learning.
Evaluation comprises making judgements about the quality of programs and activities that are part of the academic, cultural and social experience of higher education. This may include:
- Showing advanced skills in evaluation and reflective practice;
- Using a variety of evaluation strategies to bring about change;
- Adapting evaluation methods to different contexts and diverse student needs and learning styles;
- Contributing professional expertise to the field of evaluation in order to improve program design and delivery; and
- The dissemination and embedding of good practice identified through evaluation.
Please note that evaluation practices do not include student assessment.
Criteria four: Innovation, leadership or scholarship that has influenced and enhanced learning and teaching and/or the student experience.
This may include:
- Participating in and contributing to professional activities related to learning and teaching;
- Innovations in service and support for students;
- Coordination, management and leadership of courses and student learning;
- Conducting and publishing research related to teaching;
- Demonstrating leadership through activities that have broad influence on the profession;
- Providing innovative learning and teaching for different contexts, including technology-enhanced environments, for large and small class sizes and/or to meet the needs of a diverse student cohort; and
- Influencing the overall academic, social and cultural experience of higher education.
Please note: in assessing the evidence supporting Early Career applications (two years of evidence of sustained contribution), consideration will be given to the career stage of the applicant.