I'm keen: what's the next practical step?
Wait for the invitation to apply which will happen mid-May for Spring 2020.
How does 21C SPiRoT actually work?
Based on an idea you decide to focus on, you will work with one of the 21C SCPs to shape the kind of partnership you want to develop. Bearing in mind that each of you will have commitments and that travel between campuses need to be factored in, together you will negotiate how the partnership will work over the semester. You have access to 20 hours of 21C SCP time over the semester, and you can negotiate to break that up in weekly meetings or in blocks – whatever timeframe suits both of you.
At the end of the partnership, you will receive a short report outlining the student’s recommendations for action so you have evidence of participating in the process. We are also asking that each partnership collaborates on the development of an artefact to showcase either (a) what you have learned by working in partnership together or (b) what has changed about the nature of your teaching or education practice. This might be a short video, an e-Poster, or a piece of writing, for example. What you produce can be negotiated and it isn’t intended to be onerous. Our goal here is to develop resources to tell others about your experience and to entice the next round of participation. We will also ask you to be part of a presentation about your experience at a university event.
The 21C SCPs’ time is paid for by the 21C project. To recognise that your participation also requires additional time, as part of the 2020 Pilot project, you will receive an honorarium which will be transferred to your School account in two stages: half payment once the process kicks off, and the final payment once the artefact has been produced.
How are participants selected?
Since this is the pilot 21C SPiRoT round, we are planning to work with no more than 7-10 staff. You can be casual, part-time or continuing, but you do need to be actively teaching (tute, lab, online, seminar, lecture, workshop etc) in Spring 2020. We are looking to partner with staff across a range of disciplines, teaching contexts, and levels of teaching expertise. It doesn’t matter to us whether you are new to teaching or have been teaching for 20 years!
What’s in it for you?
We know from the 21C project that staff in curriculum conversations have been surprised, enlivened and challenged in their interactions with the 21C SCPs. Mostly, they appreciate the opportunity to learn from how students see the work of curriculum-making together. We also know that these conversations ensure that staff remain connected to the contemporary student experience (and their decision-making) - as diverse as that is. Remember, you have the chance to shape the focus, and to partner with students in ways that allow you to add evidence about your teaching to a job application, or an educational case for promotion.
Who are the central 21C SCPs?
Currently there are 10 central SCPs employed by the 21C project. Many of these students have been working with us since the start of 21C in 2017. As well as adding their experience as students to a university-wide curriculum project, they have also been studying the University, how it works, and learning about academic life. What you will get from working with these students is an invaluable view on what the University looks like to them and a commitment to sharing what they learn with you.
What expertise do the 21 SCPs have to comment on your teaching/education practice?
The 21C SCPs are not sub-matter experts. Their experience of being a 21st century student is what they bring to the partnership. They also bring energy, enthusiasm, creativity, questions and curiosities that can support you to reach the goals you have for your participation in 21C SPiRoT.
How will the staff-student partnerships be supported to be successful?
The 21C SCPs will be supported by the Learning Futures team, in particular, Dr Tai Peseta, to ensure that they are working appropriately and ethically with staff. You will also have access to a suite of resources.