IMPROVING TEACHING AND LEARNING TOWARDS VISION 10:2022 Prof. Shalom N. Chinedu Covenant University

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 project…I see Covenant University helping to rebuild the damaged image of the African People…” - Dr. David Oyedepo

Vision 10: 2022 – A Prophetic Verdict At the 10th Founder’s 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.

Ranking of Universities Several ranking bodies - National, Regional, Global – with different ranking parameters: The Academic Ranking of World Universities, aka Shanghai Jiao Tong University (now the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy), began in 2003. Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, since 2004. Webometrics Ranking of World Universities by Cybermetrics Lab (CCHS), Spain. QS World University Rankings published annually by Ouacquarelli Symonds since 2004. SCImago Institutions Rankings (since 2009).

In Pursuit of Vision 10: 2022 “It’s 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: Vision Trust (Spirituality, THE, Webometrics, SJTU) 8–Point Agenda Annual appraisals and Targets. 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

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.

Teaching and the Ranking Parameters: THE (1-5), SJTU (6-7) S/N Parameter Score 1. Teaching: the learning environment 30% 2. Research: volume, income and reputation 3. Citations: research influence 4. Industry income: innovation 2.5% 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 medals 20%

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.

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.

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.

Nine Principles of Teaching and Learning The University of Melbourne, Australia An atmosphere of intellectual excitement. An intensive research culture permeating all teaching and learning activities. A vibrant and embracing social context. An internationally and culturally diverse curriculum and learning community. Explicit concern and support for individual development. Clear academic expectations and standards. Learning cycles of experimentation, feedback and technologies. Premium quality learning resources and technologies. An adaptive curriculum.