About Synergy
Synergy is a scholarly forum for discussion and debate about teaching and learning at The University of Sydney. Produced by the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL), Synergy is published annually and is circulated to staff through academic and research departments. Synergy is edited by Dr Susan Thomas in consultation with an Editorial Board comprised of ITL staff. In 2009, the Editorial Board is comprised of Professor Keith Trigwell, Associate Professor Simon Barrie, Associate Professor Tania Gerzina, Dr Cynthia Nelson, Dr Amani Bell, Ms Kathryn Bartimote-Aufflick, Ms Rachel Williams, and Mr James Tracy.

Contributions to Synergy
Synergy's purpose is threefold. Firstly, it is intended to showcase the variation in learning and teaching initiatives taking place across the University. Secondly, it provides a forum where staff (particularly those new to researching and writing about teaching and student learning) can publish their innovations in a scholarly manner. Thirdly, Synergy acts as a vehicle for critical and public discussion of key learning and teaching issues in higher education.

The Editor welcomes contributions from the University community all year round. Synergy particularly welcomes contributions written collaboratively by staff and students that:

• report on, or are critical reflections of an aspect of teaching or students’ learning;
• report on a teaching, learning or curriculum initiative designed to engage students in active learning or inquiry;
• use disciplinary research/concepts to develop ideas about teaching and student learning;
• report on curriculum initiatives designed to bring teaching and research together to improve student learning;
• draw on research and scholarship to comment critically and thoughtfully on an aspect of teaching and learning in the university;
• theorise or problematise the contribution of teaching, learning and pedagogy to the nature of higher education.

Scholarly and research-based contributions to Synergy attract points on the University’s Scholarship Index. Further information about the Index is available at http://www.usyd.edu.au/learning/quality/si.shtml. On occasion, the Editor will invite contributions to Synergy.

Synergy publishes contributions of varying word lengths–usually up to 4000 words. The Editor encourages all potential contributors to make contact before submitting a paper.

Referencing standards
Contributions to Synergy should be internally consistent with a recognized referencing style (e.g., APA, Chicago, etc.).

Issue 28 - Design, layout and photos
James Tracy, Web & Publications Manager, ITL. Email: j.tracy@usyd.edu.au
Main Photography: James Tracy
Photos (pages 1, 3, 13, 31, 32 & 35): Supplied by the University of Sydney Publications Office: http://www.usyd.edu.au/publications
Transcription (Talking USEful Feedback): Robert Brezniak, ITL

Credit from Synergy issue 27 cover photo
Emeritus Professor Richard (Dick) Collins teaching scholars at the Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS) 2007. Photo courtesy of the Science Foundation for Physics within the University of Sydney.

Printing
Spectrum Printing Australia Pty. Ltd. Email: fcoe@spectrumprinting.com.au

ISSN: 1325-9881
© 2008 Individual authors retain copyright for their papers. For further information about Synergy, contact the Editor at synergy@usyd.edu.au.

Disclaimer:
The views expressed in Synergy are not necessarily those of The University of Sydney, the Editor, or the Institute for Teaching and Learning.