Prof. Shalom N. Chinedu Covenant University IMPROVING TEACHING
AND LEARNING TOWARDS VISION 10:2022
Slide 2
Covenant University Vision-birthed, Vision driven Committed to
raising a new generation of leaders in all fields of human
endeavor. Set goals, objectives weaved around the idea of
Pioneering excellence at the cutting-edge of learning and research.
I see a picture of an institution that will be the pride of Africa.
I see us sharing with Harvard and Yale on many academic projectI
see Covenant University helping to rebuild the damaged image of the
African People - Dr. David Oyedepo
Slide 3
Vision 10: 2022 A Prophetic Verdict At the 10 th Founders Day
celebrations: The mandate: Vision 10:2022 (1 of 10 in 10) came To
get the university listed as one of the top ten universities in the
world within the next ten years (2012 2022). The power of Vision is
unimaginable, unthinkable and unfathomable but its proofs are
undeniable. -- Dr. David Oyedepo.
Slide 4
Ranking of Universities Several ranking bodies - National,
Regional, Global with different ranking parameters: 1. The Academic
Ranking of World Universities, aka Shanghai Jiao Tong University
(now the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy), began in 2003. 2. Times
Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, since 2004. 3.
Webometrics Ranking of World Universities by Cybermetrics Lab
(CCHS), Spain. 4. QS World University Rankings published annually
by Ouacquarelli Symonds since 2004. 5. SCImago Institutions
Rankings (since 2009).
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In Pursuit of Vision 10: 2022 Its great to dream a dream but
more important it is to wake-up to see the dream turn to reality.
The Vision demands rigorous effort and continuous improvement in
our operations and service delivery. To effectively drive the
vision, the VC came up with: 1. Vision Trust (Spirituality, THE,
Webometrics, SJTU) 2. 8Point Agenda 3. Annual appraisals and
Targets. 4. Vision 10: 2022 Committee, Directorate The university
had surpassed set standards but was not relenting till it achieved
its desired 2022 dream, tagged: Vision 10: 2022 (1 of 10 in 10). -
Dr. David Oyedepo
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The Place of Teaching and Learning The University is a
knowledge industry. Universities exist to promote inquiry and
advance the sum of human knowledge, to provide general instruction
to the students, and to develop experts for various branches of the
public service - American Association of Universities Professors.
The core functions of Universities are Teaching, Research and
Service. By these, knowledge is generated and disseminated to
students, peers, and external audiences.
Slide 7
Teaching and the Ranking Parameters: THE (1-5), SJTU (6-7)
S/NParameterScore 1.Teaching: the learning environment30%
2.Research: volume, income and reputation30% 3.Citations: research
influence30% 4.Industry income: innovation2.5% 5.International
outlook: staff, students and research 7.5% 6. Alumni winning Nobel
prizes and field medals 10% 7. Staff winning Nobel prizes and field
medals20%
Slide 8
Factors affecting Teaching Quality Reward systems that favour
research over teaching. Diminishing opportunities for individual
contact time between academics and students. Large class sizes and
widening Faculty Student ratio. Students use of ICT in ways that do
not enhance engagement with learning experience. Poor aptitude and
low motivation of individual students and their approach to
learning. Activities that take students time off their academic
engagement.
Slide 9
Efforts at Improving Teaching/Learning ICT driven Learning
Moodle platform, Tablets, etc. Modern Teaching Facilities in all
classrooms Smart Board, Podium, Multimedia, teaching aids, etc.
Practical classes, Problem-Based Learning, etc. Engagement of
competent faculty and staff. Improved Staff Student ratio. Learning
resources Well-stocked, current, virtual library Well equipped
state-of-the art laboratories, studios and workshops; chemicals,
reagents and practical materials. Supervision /closer interaction
between students and faculty. Tutorials - Encouraging learning
beyond the classrooms.
Slide 10
Strategies for Improved Teaching Focus on learning outcomes not
the teaching process. Focus on the teacher and the strategy the
teacher uses. Academics should have a form of training in teaching
Engage formal teacher training/development schemes. Induction
programme for new/young faculty should incorporate a teaching
aspect. Learning in and outside the classroom should be further
encouraged Tutorials/PBL Teaching and research divide should be
bridged by encouraging specialization. An academic is a better
teacher in his area of research/specialization. Effective teaching
should be rewarded.
Slide 11
Nine Principles of Teaching and Learning The University of
Melbourne, Australia 1. An atmosphere of intellectual excitement.
2. An intensive research culture permeating all teaching and
learning activities. 3. A vibrant and embracing social context. 4.
An internationally and culturally diverse curriculum and learning
community. 5. Explicit concern and support for individual
development. 6. Clear academic expectations and standards. 7.
Learning cycles of experimentation, feedback and technologies. 8.
Premium quality learning resources and technologies. 9. An adaptive
curriculum.
