Grants to improve university teaching

The Australian Government today announced $4.7 million in funding for grants and fellowships to promote excellence in learning and teaching in higher education.

Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said these grants and fellowships are part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a world class higher education sector by developing the best teaching and student learning experiences.

The grants are made through the Government’s Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT).

“$3.2 million will go towards nine grants that will support leading academics, working collaboratively, to develop and drive innovation in higher education teaching and learning,” Mr Pyne said.

The grants focus on a number of priority areas which are central to a world class higher education sector including enhancing employability skills, improving pathways to higher education, and increasing the effectiveness of the PhD.

“We are also committing $1.5 million for 11 OLT fellowships which will lead change to improve graduate capabilities and enhance the experience of students in Australian higher education.”

Of these fellowships, there will be three senior fellows; one developing approaches to strengthen the digital capabilities of graduates, one examining ways to improve student practice situations, and one focused on the assessment of teaching excellence and quality.

“These initiatives will help the higher education sector embrace emerging technologies for course delivery and student support and ensure better alignment between higher education and industry needs.

“The Government is committed to strengthening our higher education sector and the education that it offers to our students, and improving its global competitiveness,” Mr Pyne said.

For a full list of 2015 OLT grant and fellowship recipients see www.olt.gov.au