OVERVIEW

The FSS Enhancing Teaching and Learning Committee is responsible for the promotion of excellence in teaching and learning within the Faculty, aligning with the UWI’s Strategic Plan to develop the ideal graduate.  A distinctive UWI graduate should demonstrate that s/he is:

• A critical and creative thinker
• An effective communicator with good interpersonal skills

• IT-skilled and information literate

• Innovative and entrepreneurial

• Globally aware and well-grounded in his/her regional identity

• Socially, culturally and environmentally responsible

• Guided by strong ethical values

MANDATE AND OBJECTIVES

The mandate of the Enhancing Teaching and Learning Committee is to investigate and put in place strategies to improve both the teaching of undergraduate courses and the learning of undergraduate students.  The Committee is responsible for delivering one seminar each year for FSS instructors, including graduate assistants/tutors, which is designed to improve the quality of tutorials received by undergraduate students. 

The Committee is also responsible for delivering one seminar each year for lecturers of undergraduate courses within the Faculty which is designed to improve their teaching practices.  It also conducts an annual review of the pass/failure rates of all undergraduate courses taught in the Faculty with a view to flag those courses with above average failure rates (failure rates > 25%). An annual prize for the most outstanding lecturer within the Faculty is awarded by the Committee.

PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

The Faculty of Social Sciences identifies “excellence in teaching” as a key element of the UWI mission. The FSS is committed to facilitating its students and supporting its staff in line with the UWI’s aim to produce a distinctive graduate (as the desired outcome of the teaching and learning process). In seeking to achieve its goals the FSS recognises the importance of monitoring and evaluating processes as the basis for on-going improvements in teaching and learning within the Faculty.  Learn more.

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

• Develop and implement the Faculty‘s philosophy of teaching in accordance with the UWI's Strategic Plan
• Provide leadership and support to improve teaching effectiveness and student learning

• Identify new and emerging issues and opportunities that can enhance teaching and learning in the Faculty

• Identify staff development needs and facilitate the fulfilment of these needs

• Support the Instructional Development Unit in its efforts to improve teaching and learning at the UWI

• Encourage and reward excellence in teaching

MEMBERSHIP

MEETING SCHEDULE

The Committee meets monthly each semester and reports to the Dean and the Faculty Board.