Lead Department
Sport, Leisure and Childhood Studies, MTU Cork campuses
Coordinated by
Andrea Bickerdicke (Andrea.Bickerdicke@mtu.ie)
Active members
15
Purpose
The Collaboration and Best Practice Learning Community was originally established as an ‘Online Teaching Tips & Tricks’ group during the Emergency Remote Teaching period. Over time, its purpose has evolved to serve as a broad community of practice focused on two key areas:
- Blended Pedagogies and Development of a Resource Repository – Supporting staff in implementing innovative blended learning strategies and curating resources for best practices in teaching and learning.
- CPD and Professional Development Sharing – Providing an informal space for staff to share achievements, CPD experiences, and foster collaboration across programmes in the expanding department.
As the Department of Sport, Leisure and Childhood Studies has now introduced a Level 9 PG Cert/Dip/MSc in Health and Wellbeing (delivered part-time, online, in collaboration with UCC), this Learning Community will also play a fundamental role in shaping pedagogical discussions and approaches relevant to this new programme.
Summary of Activities
This Learning Community has been reconsidering its activities, scope, and purpose to ensure its sustainability and relevance within the department. The main focus areas for the 2023-24 academic year include:
- Expanding the Learning Community’s Role to facilitate collaboration across an expanding department.
- Developing a Blended Learning Resource Repository to assist staff in designing and implementing effective blended pedagogical approaches.
- Creating a CPD Sharing Network to encourage staff to highlight their achievements, research, and best practices.
- Supporting Teaching and Learning for the New Postgraduate Programme in Health and Wellbeing.
For the 2024-25 academic year, the LC aims to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that best practices in pedagogy, resource-sharing, and CPD collaboration remain at the forefront of departmental development.