Committee for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CALT)

The Committee for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching is a committee of Senate. Its purpose is to support and promote excellence in learning and teaching across the University.

Terms of Reference

1. Policy Development and Strategic Alignment:
   • Develop and contribute to policies and guidelines to enhance and ensure the quality of teaching and learning in alignment with Pae Tata.
   • Monitor progress on implementing and achieving the University’s Learning and Teaching Plan.
2. Facilitate Support for the Education Network - Kōkiri ki Tua:
   • Ensure initiatives are supported and integrated across teaching divisions, aligning with Pae Tata and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
   • Utilise the expertise of the Kaikōkiri to facilitate connections, promote events, and ensure the continuity and visibility of the Education Network’s objectives.
   • Promote and support collaboration between the Kaikōkiri and academic and professional staff across all divisions to enhance the quality and inclusivity of teaching and learning practices.
3. Promotion of Innovative Learning and Teaching:
   • Oversee and distribute CALT research funding to promote innovation in learning and teaching.
   • Encourage applications for externally funded grants for the development and support of excellence in teaching and learning.
   • Administer, evaluate, and award the annual Otago Teaching Excellence Awards and to select nominees for the national awards.
   • Identify, promote, and support the adoption of innovative pedagogical practices and technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced and emerging technologies, to enhance student learning experiences and outcomes.
   • Contribute to and support the integration of digital literacy and competencies within the curriculum, preparing students for a digitally driven world.
   • Promote and support development in the effective use of digital tools and platforms for teaching, ensuring high-quality, flexible, and engaging learning experiences.
4. Digital Transformation and Learning Environment
   • Contribute to and support the development and implementation of the University’s digital transformation strategy, aiming to enhance teaching and learning through strategic use of technology.
   • Ensure that the digital learning environment, including learning management systems, online platforms and AI tools, is robust, user-friendly, and supports the diverse needs of the University community.
   • Collaborate with ITS and other units to prioritise technology investments supporting teaching and learning methodologies.
5. Data-Informed Decision Making:
   • Contribute to and support the use of data analytics and AI to monitor and improve student learning outcomes, enabling personalised and adaptive learning experiences.
   • Contribute to and support the development of systems and processes for educational data collection, analysis to support teaching practices and policy decisions.
6. Advisory Role:
   • Advise University leadership on teaching and learning matters.
   • Advise University leadership on resources and support to achieve the University’s teaching and learning objectives.
   • To receive and, where appropriate, act upon regular reports and advice from members.
   • To consider, advise, and report on any academic matter referred to the Committee by the Dean of Learning and Teaching, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the Senate, or the Vice-Chancellor.
   • To refer relevant matters to the Academic Committee (AC), Quality Advancement Committee (QAC), or Graduate Research Committee (GRC) as they arise and to receive minutes for noting from AC, QAC, and GRC, for noting only.
   • To provide oversight to and receive minutes from the Distance Learning Advisory Committee (DLAC) and Summer School Operational Group (SSOG) and to delegate the Committee’s powers and responsibilities to DLAC or SSOG as appropriate.
   • To establish sub-committees and working groups – as necessary – to undertake tasks or projects relating to the work of the Committee, as outlined in the preceding terms.

Membership

Notes

With the approval of the Convener:

1. Any ex officio member listed in the Composition may nominate another individual to serve as a member on the Committee in their place.
2. Additional individuals may be invited to attend without serving as members.
3. Additional members may be co-opted as required.

Committee Secretary

Michelle Bennie
Email michelle.bennie@otago.ac.nz

Meeting dates for 2025

CALT meeting dates – 2:00pm

• 27 February
• 27 March
• 17 April
• 29 May
• 26 June
• 31 July
• 28 August
• 25 September
• 30 October
• 27 November

Funding research into learning and teaching

CALT Learning and Teaching Fellowships

University Teaching Development Grants