Published:
Heriot-Watt's new Learning and Teaching Academy was officially launched on 11 September by Karen Watt, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, at an event held on our Edinburgh campus.
The LTA has been established to support the University's strategic ambition to be Pioneering in Education and to realise the Inspiring Learning vision of the Learning and Teaching Strategy 2019-2025. The work of the LTA is framed by a commitment to building a global community in which excellence in teaching and inspiring learning is recognised, celebrated, shared and applied.
The programme of learning and teaching enhancement activity that underpins this network is facilitated by a small core team, led by Professor Martha Caddell. The team supports the work of the wider Academy community by:
• Developing and delivering a portfolio of development opportunities for staff,
• Opening space for collaboration and for exploring innovative in learning and teaching,
• Contributing specialist input to learning and teaching developments across the University,
• Engaging in strategically-aligned pedagogic research, scholarship and evaluation.
• Providing a focal point for celebrating the inspiring teaching practice evident across our campuses.
Professor Martha Caddell said: "The vision for the LTA is simple. We aim to be a vibrant, University-wide community enthused and inspired by learning, committed to sharing ideas, and energised by creative and engaging practice.
"The LTA supports and encompasses everyone engaged in teaching and learning. It is a true collaboration: across our Schools, our campuses, our student community, our professional services teams, and our partners and friends in the wider higher education sector. I hope colleagues from across the University will join us in building the Learning and Teaching Academy, in celebrating inspiring teaching, and in helping our global learning community flourish."
Professor John Sawkins, Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching, said: "The launch of the Learning and Teaching Academy underlines the University's commitment to partnership working across all our campus locations. With its global reach the LTA will enable everyone engaged in learning and teaching to connect and contribute to Heriot-Watt's delivery of inspiring learning for all our students – wherever or however they study with us."
Additional opportunities to celebrate the launch and learn more about the LTA's work are scheduled across our campuses in the coming month.
A University-wide Learning and Teaching Day will be held on 9 October 2019. Please save the date. For more information about LTA please visit the website.