SaMnet: Science and Mathematics network of Australian university educators

OLT Leadership for Excellencein Learning and Teaching Program 2011

Project Leaders

A/Prof Manjula Sharma (USYD) A/Prof Will Rifkin (USYD)Ms Stephanie Beames (QUT)Dr Elizabeth Johnson (La Trobe) A/Prof Cristina Varsavsky (Monash)Dr Andrea Crampton (CSU) HelpersA/Prof Marjan Zadnik (Curtin) Mr Matthew HillProf Susan Jones (UTas) Dr Vicky TzioumisMs Kelly Matthews (UQ) Ms Wakiuru WohoroA/Prof Simon Pyke (Uade) Dr Alex Yeung

Outline

• Conceptual: What is SaMnet?• Operational: How does it function?

• Journey of the projects

• Relationships: SaMnet + disciplinary networks + National Centre

Conceptually …

SoTL -INWARDTeams of 4

LeadershipOUTWARD 100

CoP Superglue

Conceptually

SoTL21+8 teams of 4 (?) carry out Action-Learning Projects

LeadershipSate forums, SKYPEsOrganisational changeLetters

CoPInquiry labsMediaStandardsDisciplines

Operationally

SoTL21+8 teams of 4 (?) carry out Action-Learning Projects

LeadershipSate forums, SKYPEsOrganisational changeLetters

CoPInquiry labsMediaStandardsDisciplines

Critical friendsWeb site, Newsletters -celebrationsCommunication SaMnet Scholars

Operationally

Call for proposalsWhole day leadership/SoTL workshops in Fe-Apr2-hour workshops in May/AugNetworking via conf’s & Skypes from June …Writing workshop in JulyACSMEFeb workshopDL meeting with critical friends - closureNetworking via conferences - ACSME

Case studies initiated in April 2012 and concluding in June 2013

Journey of the projects

Low engagement & project terminated/suspended,

NSW3. Innovator changed direction – no outputNSW4. Minimal engagement – no ouput

QLD2. Extended leave. But ground work prior to leave has influenced direction that department has taken. No outputQLD3. Extended leave but continues to direct projects. Responsive to communications. Conference paper …

Journey of the projects

Good engagementWA1. Innovator new job, AD replaced – no outputVIC2. Health issues, work has continued but dissemination halted. VIC3. Members with more responsibilities, work has continued, results have been analysed and ready to publish.Project terminated/suspended, members have continued to attend workshops and forumsWA2. Changing directions in roles with more responsibilities – conference paper and book chapter

Journey of the projects

Relationships

Strategic questions

• Are projects with emphasis on SoTL & Leadership useful? … Is SaMnet useful?

• Given the size of Australian university science & mathematics community: – should CoPs across disciplines be encouraged?– are strategies across disciplines effective/efficient?– roles / functions of SaMnet and proposed Centre?

Acknowledgements

SaMnet funded by ALTC / DEEWR* (*OLT / DIISRTE) Support of ACDS

Contactswww.samnet.edu.ausamnetaustralia@gmail.com