Community Engaged Learning and Teaching is considered to be transformative for students and practitioners, underpinned by civic participation in community and society. One of the strategic themes of the UCD Rising to the Future Strategy is “Building a Healthy World” a core objective of which is to “continue to build our engagement locally, nationally and internationally”. Community Engaged Learning (CEL) and Teaching affords the University an opportunity to build and strengthen strong partnerships with social and community organisations in a meaningful and transformative way. It provides faculty, students and community organisations opportunities to engage in a symbiotic manner, learning from each other whilst bridging the gap between academic learning and the lived reality(ies) of society.
ATLAS (Aligning Teaching and Learning across the Technological Sector)
About this initiative
Using a reflective and evidence-based approach, ATLAS sought to interpret the National Professional Development Framework within the context of existing accredited provision across technological higher education institutions in Ireland. This was undertaken with a view to examining and addressing specific professional development needs. All accredited professional development modules and programmes in teaching and learning within the partner institutes were mapped. This involved seven institutions, six major awards and 49 modules/special purpose awards. The process included consultations with programme staff and graduates. Using an iterative approach, the partners mapped and interpreted existing provision using the Professional Development Framework. A bespoke mapping tool and consultation pack was developed to support educational developers in using the framework to review and develop programmes.
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