Teaching Criteria and Standards Framework

(1) The ACU Teaching Criteria and Standards Framework provides teachers and their supervisors with clear, objective and consistent criteria that enable their pursuit of excellence in teaching. The application of these criteria to teaching practice occurs within the context of the Catholic intellectual tradition and with a commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person and the common good.

(2) Learning and teaching quality should be evidence based. The following teaching criteria and evidence matrix gives examples of performance and achievements under seven criteria or dimensions related to different aspects of teaching. All academic staff can use the matrix for career planning, in preparation for performance development reviews, and in preparation for applying for promotion. The criteria are best presented in a teaching portfolio that documents achievement.

(3) In building a teaching portfolio, academic staff should describe their work in relation to each of the seven teaching criteria and provide evidence in support of their claims. The term teaching is used to encompass the full range of teaching contexts i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, clinical, laboratory, workshop, studio, field and work-based teaching. The descriptions and indicative evidence outlined in the framework are neither prescriptive nor exhaustive. It must be emphasised that it is not expected that each and every item listed under each criteria must appear in the portfolio. Furthermore, other examples that are not listed can be used to demonstrate performance and achievement. The suggested indicators of evidence provided are not exhaustive. Actual evidence used will depend on a number of factors including the staff member’s pathway.

(4) In building a case for promotion, it is not necessary for an academic to be strong in every one of the seven criteria. Instead, the applicant should highlight the criteria and contributions in which they have particular strengths.

(5) The seven Teaching criteria are:

1. Design and Planning of Learning Activities
2. Teaching and Supporting Student Learning
3. Assessment and Giving Feedback to Students on Their Learning
4. Developing Effective Learning Environments, Student Support and Guidance
5. Integration of Scholarship, Research and Professional Activities With Teaching and in Support of Student Learning
6. Evaluation of Practice and Continuing Professional Development
7. Professional and Personal Effectiveness

(6) The standards and evidence matrix for each criterion can be found by clicking the relevant link above.