National agendas for learning and teaching in higher education

In this workshop we will consider the ways in which national agendas for learning and teaching in higher education are being (and could be) played out. The particular focus will be on the Carrick Institute, which was established by the Australian government in August 2004 with a Mission to promote and advance learning and teaching in higher education. In comparison to previous Australian initiatives in this area, the Institute's resources are significant. The task confronting the Institute's Board and its planning team during 2005 is to ensure that the resources available are utilised in ways that support higher education providers in their efforts to achieve excellence in learning and teaching. At the same time, the task is two-fold, because the Institute must also fulfill its responsibilities to the government. Viewed from this perspective, the two-fold task is focused on the Institute's two major stakeholders: Australia's higher education providers, and the Commonwealth (through the Minister for Education, Science and Training). In another sense, however, the task is multifaceted, because of the Institute's commitment to interact with a wide range of groups, both nationally and internationally, that share its passion for excellence in higher education.

One of the early documents produced by the Institute was its framework for relationships with key groups (www.carrickinstitute.edu.au). This framework emphasised not only the focus and intended outcomes of Carrick's engagement with its various communities, but also the anchoring of the Institute's organisational culture and working relationships in a value position set out in terms of inclusiveness, long term change, diversity, collaboration and excellence. Respect for the strengths of the higher education system and for the people within that system is fundamental to the Institute's work, as is the commitment to build on and share ideas and to develop new understandings.

This workshop comes at an important stage in the development of the Institute. The organisation is in the process of setting itself an ambitious and exciting agenda. More specifically, it is conceptualising its work for the next three years in terms of five strategic priority areas, and is seeking sector input to and ownership of its plans for each of these areas.

This workshop is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to engage with the Institute's two-fold, multifaceted task, and to respond to and shape the emerging agendas, in the context of comparisons with higher education systems else where in the world.

Following introductory comments by the Convener and panel members, participants will be invited to address the following questions, working in small groups, and reporting back to the larger group during the final 30 minutes.