Frequently asked questions
1. Is the P&P program for me?
Experienced staff report that the program provides a good opportunity for reflection and renewal as teachers. It is also particularly suitable for beginning academics, graduate students and less experienced staff. The program forms part of the Graduate Certificate taught by Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) staff, so if you are interested in that course, you would have to complete the P&P program first. University policy now requires many new staff to complete the program as a condition of their appointment.
2. Who can do the program?
The program is designed for teaching staff of the University.
For the P&P program the following staff will be prioritised:
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Those who inform us that they are required to complete the program as a condition of their appointment;
- Those intending to enrol in the Graduate Certificate.
3. What does the program cost?
The P&P program is free if you are a member of staff at the University.
4. Where and when does the program take place?
The P&P programs currently run in February, June and September. They will all take place on the Camperdown Campus. The ITL component of the programs runs from 9.15 am to 4.30 pm on 2 consecutive days, with morning and afternoon tea, and lunch provided. The 2 days with the ITL is followed by faculty-endorsed activities. Some faculties have asked for attendance at faculty teaching and learning forums to constitute completion of the program and others have organised other special events or activities.
5. Do I have to attend every session?
Yes. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion for the program you must attend all sessions. The first morning is regarded as an essential foundation for all other sessions. If you have to be absent for an unexpected reason, we will ask you to make up one or both of those days in a later program.
6. Do I receive formal certification that I have completed the course or program?
Yes. If you successfully complete the Principles and Practice program a Certificate of Completion will be provided to you once you have completed the 2-day ITL component and the agreed faculty component. Please contact your Associate Dean Learning and Teaching or delegate to receive your Certificate of Completion.
7. Where can I get help to modify my accent or get advice and training to improve my speech clarity?
Some university teachers find that students in their classes have difficulty understanding their speech. In some cases this can be easily addressed using simple techniques such as slowing the rate of speech, simplifying and repeating key explanations and providing additional handouts or visual aids to assist in understanding. However in some cases the difficulty might be because of an unfamiliar accent or other speech factors which can significantly reduce intelligibility.
In these cases a Speech Pathologist or specialist Voice Coach may be able to assist. There are many private providers of such specialist services. One option that might be considered by university staff is the on-campus Speech Pathology Clinic run by the Discipline of Speech Pathology in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Information on this service is available at: http://www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/speechpathology/clinic/contact_and_intervention.shtml
What is usually involved is an assessment and feedback session and then a program of therapy sessions over a 12 - 13 week period. The assessment costs approximately $140 and the therapy sessions are $35 for 50 minutes. These services are covered by some private health funds.
To arrange an assessment contact the intake clinic Monday between 8:30am-1pm on 9351 9764 or phone and leave a voicemail.
8. Who do I call to ask more questions?
You can contact the ITL on 9351 3725 or email Kelly Hong (enrolments and administration).