About Us

The Caledonian Academy: leading learning innovation

The Caledonian Academy is a groundbreaking new initiative that ensures Glasgow Caledonian University is leading the way in the international development and implementation of exciting and innovative forms of learning and teaching. The Academy supports the University’s aim to develop innovative teaching and learning programmes for different kinds of students both within the UK and further afield. The mission of the Academy is twofold: to lead the University in the development and implementation of pioneering forms of learning and to extend its international reputation as a centre of first-rate, applied research in education.

The Academy has been founded upon contemporary thinking in educational development, moving the University away from simple support-based staff development practices towards evidence-based, educational development partnerships. The central ethos is to further teaching practice through the integration of research, scholarship and professional development. It supports transformational change within GCU by:

1. Adopting an evidence-based, rather than ‘craft-based, approach to teaching and learning;
2. Supporting implementation initiatives clustered around strategic themes, rather than a series of unconnected, localised initiatives within departments;
3. Collaborative development of action plans, as opposed to unstructured proposals;
4. Innovation driven by local versus expertise developed using external funding;
5. Developing partnerships of subject experts and support staff, rather than the ‘service oriented’ approach to staff and educational development;
6. Provision of professional development through collaborative initiatives, activities moving from a focus on ‘just in time’ workshops and;
7. Promoting diffusion of innovation through collaborative networks, rather than drawing upon lone innovators.

Academy activities focus around a synergy of research, practice and advanced scholarship in learning innovation, supporting Schools within Glasgow Caledonian University in quality enhancement of student learning. These activities integrate the international, research initiatives with internally-focussed, practice based projects clustered around key strategic themes, such as employability, assessment and flexible delivery. These Activities are based around projects that support Schools in strategic enhancement of student learning. This approach allows the GCU to capitalise on research expertise fostered through international research to inform the development of groundbreaking learning methodologies across the University.

Academy staff range from researchers and educational development advisors to learning technologists and administrative staff who work in partnership with talented teaching staff from a range of disciplines across the University. Expertise developed through these research activities will enhance new and innovative programmes across the University.

Research within the Academy is shaping future learning processes and environments around the world. Examples of learning innovations currently supported include students’ integration of informal learning with formal teaching programmes using a range of mobile technologies; tutors shaping and sharing ideas in innovative and sustainable approaches to teaching, blending face-to-face practice with technology supported activities; communities of learners and teachers building and sharing information and knowledge through online, digital tools and environments. These new ideas in learning innovation are being developed with a range of international collaborators. This cutting edge work is having an impact in Higher Education around the world.

The Academy is attracting international attention. In September 2006 visiting scholars were hosted from Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sweden and Saudi Arabian Government Departments. The Academy is leading a number of national initiatives including the UK Higher Education Academy forum on supporting sustainable e-learning.

For more contact: allison.littlejohn@gcal.ac.uk

Updated: 05 March, 2007 | Site editor | Legal