The lead-up to a new session can be hectic and stressful for unit convenors. Our collection of links to tips and strategies aims to help you cover all bases and set the stage for a successful session for both you and your students.
Follow these 9 steps to success!
1. Prepare like an award-winning MQ Educator with this essential Unit Convenor checklist
A nationally awarded MQ educator shares her essential checklist for preparing for the session start. Follow her advice to ensure a smooth beginning.
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2. Know the key teaching dates for Session 2
- S2 classes commence: Monday 22 July.
- Mid-session break: 16-29 September.
- Last day of S2 classes: 3 November.
- S2 Exam period: 4-22 November.
- Refer to the MQ Academic Calendar for other dates.
3. Get your iLearn unit ready
Make sure your iLearn site is well organised and engaging.
- Navigate iLearn like a pro with these workshops, modules and quick guides. If you run into a problem with setting up iLearn, reach out to your Faculty Learning Design Team for support.
- Follow these 5 steps to ensure your iLearn unit is laid out according to the MQ Online Learning Standards. Use this checklist report to see if your unit meets template requirements.
- Create your reading list in Leganto (and don’t forget to hit ‘Send’) .
- Incorporate an inclusive approach in the design of your iLearn site.
- Consider chunking your content using iLearn workbooks.
4. Manage your teaching team
Your teaching team are critical to the successful running of your unit.
- If you are managing a large teaching team, you’ll find these tips and advice invaluable.
- If you’ve got new teaching staff in your unit, help them settle in with self-paced modules, workshops and resources to support them in their teaching role.
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5. Ease student concerns with clear and supportive communication
Early and clear communication eases students’ fears and humanises you as a teacher.
- A welcome video helps establish a personal connection with students before the course begins.
- Show your commitment by clearly stating that everyone in your classroom will feel valued and respected. Do you have a ‘go-to statement’? If not, see this example.
- Provide a written overview and infographic (graphic syllabus) with milestones to clarify the unit structure and key dates. This approach reduces confusion and anxiety, making students feel informed and supported.
6. Design interactive and engaging learning content and activities
- Why not take advantage of AI tools such as CoPilot (provided to MQ staff) or ChatGPT to elevate your teaching. For example, you could ask it to improve text readability, create role plays or case studies to make learning more fun and engaging with the added benefit of saving you time.
- There is a lot of choice when it comes to poll and quiz tools – this advice will help you choose the right tool for you.
- Students say they like variety and you can create engaging learning activities using H5P.
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7. Include student support resources and information
Ensure you have this information to hand for your students at the start of session:
- Make it clear how students can get in contact with you directly (through the contact block in iLearn) and where they can find out about class changes and other important information, i.e. using iLearn announcements.
- Let students know what they need to do about sickness, absences, or anything else that might impact their studies (i.e. applying for special consideration).
- Provide students with this Support link to access the full network of academic, wellbeing and IT services and support available to ensure student success.
8. Prepare for when, where and how you will be teaching
- Find out when and where you will be teaching (class days/times and room location) and what facilities are available in the space by accessing the Timetable ‘Publish’ System.
- If you are scheduled to teach in 1CC (Central Courtyard), this information will help you get set up to teach in 1CC.
- Get some ideas for making your lectures more dynamic to help students absorb and apply knowledge.
- If you are teaching a blended synchronous class (on-campus and online students at the same time) these technology tips and these practical tips for managing a blended class will help everything go smoothly.
- Make your online classes more engaging with this Zoom for Teaching self-paced module.
9. Get off to a strong start in week 1 of classes
- Calm your nerves about teaching your first class – If you (or any of your teaching team) are teaching for the first time, this first day of teaching checklist will help you prepare.
- How good are you at remembering students’ names? Here’s some tips.
- Help new commencing undergraduate students get off to a good start – make sure they know about MQ’s KickStart program of activities (running from 11 – 25 July).
- Help first year student settle in – here’s one approach.
- Encourage students to put down their phones in class right from the start.
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