Staff Development for Learning and Teaching at European Universities: STAFF-DEV

Programme(s): Erasmus+ (ERASMUS+)
Topic(s): ERASMUS-EDU-2023-PCOOP-ENGO
Type of action: ERASMUS Lump Sum Grants

Project ID: 101133867

Objective:

Attention to learning and teaching (L&T) has increased in recent years, at European higher education institutions (HEIs) and at European policy levels. One identified need for enhancing L&T is adequate staff development practices and approaches, as well as recognition for teachers to continuously improve, through academic assessment and career paths. Across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the responsibility for organising staff development mostly lies with the institutions themselves. The project “Staff Development for Learning and Teaching at European Universities” (STAFF-DEV) aims to analyse how staff development and academic assessment are conducted at European HEIs, and to strengthen institutional capacity and strategies in this regard. In doing so, STAFF-DEV also ambitions to contribute to policy-making in reforming academic assessment and careers in Europe. STAFF-DEV has three strands: (1) A research strand to build up a Europe-wide knowledge and evidence base on staff development and academic assessment approaches at European HEIs, and how it is embedded into L&T strategies. A publication is planned under this strand. (2) A peer-learning and capacity-building strand for HEIs, through a series of 3 peer-learning groups and 4 Master Classes offering training on staff development design and implementation, and recognition for teaching. Between 84 and 90 HEIs across Europe will be able to engage in these activities. (3) A policy contribution strand, with practice-based recommendations to, and advocacy towards, policymakers, based on lessons learnt from the research and peer-learning strands. STAFF-DEV is expected to render benefits for European HEIs at different stages of developing their support and strategic approaches to learning and teaching and academic assessment. It will also provide concrete support for evidence-supported policy making, and, more generally, for strengthening European collaboration and exchange on L&T.