the education for practice institute - Charles Sturt University

BACKGROUND
In 2007 Charles Sturt University established two teaching institutes to provide support for achieving the
University vision of leadership in education for the professions and flexible delivery of learning and
teaching. [Refer to the CSU document Enhancing Learning and Teaching and Research at CSU (2006).] 1
In March 2007 Professor Joy Higgs was appointed as Director of the Institute for Professional and
Practicum-Based Learning. The recommendation to set up the Institute proposed that the Institute aim to
enhance practice-based learning and educational outcomes at CSU and to establish CSU as a national and
international leader in professional and practicum-based education. The proposed activities of the Institute
were: scholarship, promotion quality teaching and learning, policy and resource development, networking,
research and career development.
NAMING AND FRAMING THE INSTITUTE
The staff of the Institute proposed a name change to The DVC (Academic) from The Institute for
Professional and Practicum-Based Learning to The Education For Practice Institute (EFPI) 2 . This proposal
was accepted. In expanding the scope and title of the Institute – to encompass the breadth of practicebased
education across the curriculum not only fieldwork – it was argued that to limit the focus of EFPI to
fieldwork education would significantly limit the Institute’s potential outcomes. This re-framing of EFPI
created a change in the focus of the goals and activities:
The focus shifted from practicum-based learning to practice-based education.
The goals retained the intention of enhancing quality of education/learning and the University’s
reputation – but reframed these goals across the curriculum to encompass overall curriculum planning
and implementation not only fieldwork.
The activities of the Institute expanded to include organisational change as well as the development of
learning and teaching in practicums.
VENUE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The headquarters for EFPI was established at Centre for Ministry
(CFM) campus of The Uniting Church at North Parramatta. The
Uniting Theological College of the Uniting Church, operating from this
campus joined CSU in 2007. The campus, located at 16 Masons Drive
North Parramatta, therefore housed two sections of CSU the EFPI and
part of the School of Theology.
Office space was made available in George Brown Hall (first floor).
This comprised two offices, a foyer, a small meeting room, bathroom
and kitchenette. Very soon this space became insufficient for staff, students and visitors. Space for
meetings/training sessions and accommodation for students, staff and visitors was hired from CFM when
required. Office furniture, computers and related equipment was set up over the first two months along
with telecommunications/IT, postage, banking and finance systems. The venue is not part of the CSU
campus system and therefore needed to act as an external/offsite agent in relation to a range of facilities
(in particular, IT, phone, mail, video and tele conferencing, purchasing). Access to internal communications
systems at CSU is therefore more problematic and time consuming than at standard campuses.
WEBSITE
A CSU website was set up to inform CSU and external parties of the operations of EFPI. Links with partners
were included. http://www.csu.edu.au/division/landt/efp/index.html
1
Enhancing Learning and Teaching and Research at CSU reports on a review undertaken at CSU in 2006 aimed at
strengthen learning and teaching and research in alignment with the CSU University Strategy 2007-2011
through reforms to CSU’s structures and processes.
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/deputyvc/acad/staff.htm
2
Briefly the Institute adopted the logo and acroynm EFP. To avoid confusion with the current acronym EFPI
will be used throughout this report.
3