UOWD sets up centre for training academic staff

The newly established Centre for Academic Staff Professional Development (CASPD) has been tasked with devising innovative programs that will boost best practices in teaching and learning at UOWD.

"There is more to the art of teaching than university level academic qualifications. As a university focused on continuous development, UOWD is acutely aware of the need to keep our academic staff fully up-to-date with new developments, while honing their all-round skills. The new Centre is a big step in this direction."

said Professor Rob Whelan, President UOWD.

The new Centre will conduct workshops on curriculum development, pedagogical tools, assessment tasks and e-learning methodologies. Workshops, seminars and symposia will be held to offer practical advice on research-related issues, such as publishing, leading and managing research projects, writing grant proposals and strengthening the teaching-research nexus.

The Centre is headed by Dr. Payyazhi Jayashree, who has a specialisation in organisational behaviour, organisational development, change management and training & development. She is a Certified Trainer and Facilitator, who has implemented a range of management development programs for managers from a range of organisations, including multinationals based in the UAE.

"Learning is a life-long process and it is important that academics set and achieve higher standards of academic excellence. CASPD offers a platform for academic staff members to share best practices in teaching and learning for continuous improvement," said Dr. Jayashree.

"Student engagement and management is a very critical dimension of effective teaching. In addition to being well-informed, academics are also required to be fair, objective and empathic in all dealings with students. To facilitate deep learning, it is imperative to establish an appropriate motivational context and use pedagogic approaches that enhance retention, and provide opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving," added Dr. Jayashree.

Dr. Jayashree believes that classroom activities, learning tasks and assessments must be meaningfully aligned with learning outcomes for a course, so that degree objectives are met.

UOWD has 75 academic staff 56 full time and 19 part time in the three faculties: Business & Management, Finance & Accounting and Computer Science & Engineering. Academic Staff members will be attending programs that are most relevant to their specific needs. An interactive website is also being developed to support faculty with learning and teaching resources and materials.