Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at La Trobe University
At La Trobe University, our primary objective is to help students transform their lives through learning. To that end, La Trobe offers all students a learning environment that is intellectually exciting, academically challenging and highly supportive. Students who take full advantage of La Trobe’s rich academic and student life opportunities will graduate well-educated, well-equipped for success, and well-prepared for the challenges of lifelong learning.
These ambitious learning aims can only be achieved if the University’s curriculum and teaching programs and related support services are all well designed, well-integrated, and effective. For that reason, La Trobe has undertaken a comprehensive review and, where necessary, redesign of the undergraduate curriculum. This effort is known as the Design for Learning Project.
(Visit http://www.latrobe.edu.au/ctlc/dfl/ to learn more about Design for Learning.)
Starting in 2012, all La Trobe undergraduates, whatever their course of study, will develop knowledge and skills in writing, speaking, critical thinking, creative problem solving, teamwork, and inquiry/research. These six La Trobe Graduate Capabilities will be embedded and fully integrated with disciplinary skills and knowledge in every course. Every Bachelor-level course will provide students with clear maps of the curriculum, clear statements and examples of expected standards of performance, and timely, useful feedback for improvement against those learning standards.
As La Trobe’s academic staff have reviewed and redesigned courses and subjects to ensure that the curriculum is research-based, relevant, and effective, they have also rethought and revised their approaches to teaching, assessing and giving feedback. At the same time, La Trobe has also strengthened our First Year Experience programs and learning support services. All these efforts, and many more, have one overarching goal: To offer all of La Trobe's students the best possible opportunities to learn and succeed.