Learning and Teaching Enhancement Specialist

Job description / Role

Learning and Teaching Enhancement Specialist will support the three key functions of Academic Excellence at JU: Teaching, Learning & Student Success. The role will support the Director in promoting excellence in teaching and learning, curricular development and educational delivery models. It supports student academic development by facilitating Student-Centred Learning and Teaching (SCLT), effective learning outcomes assessment and enhancement in pedagogy using ICTs. The key responsibility is to provide a direct consultative approach, establish practices and resources and evaluation processes to guide the development of community-based learning at JU.

Key Responsibility
- Works with the Program Directors and JU course leaders to ensure that curriculum instructional guides and standards are established and implemented in accordance with CAA legislation, university education philosophy and practices. In this way, serves as the faculty members main curriculum resource personnel during development phases by helping to establish required benchmarking practices.
- In consultation with Director, provides on-going evaluation for aligning JU curriculum with the Emirates Qualifications Framework (EmiratesQF).
- Maps curriculum objectives and LOs and prepares relevant compliance reports.
- Facilitates the integration of educational technologies in curricular design.
- Creates, develops and implements initiatives and resources to foster the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).
- In consultation with the Director, develops the JU Teaching and Learning Resources Centre (JTLRC): faculty toolkits, faculty library and knowledge-sharing platform.
- Supports the Director in developing the JTLRCs budget and business plans.
- Coordinates cyclical academic program reviews with respect to administrative, instructional and/or assessment strategies and tasks in accordance with Quality Plans of the Academic Deanship Unit.
- Develops the JU learning and teaching network with peers within and outside JU, and emphasizing collaboration and partnerships among faculty across campus interested in excellence in teaching and learning.
- Ensures course file accreditation standards are met by all academic departments.
- Monitors the implementation of the JU Student-Centred Learning and Teaching (SCLT) Model.
- Participates in class visits and peer review meetings to ensure quality of teaching at JU.
- Conducts audits on faculty documentation, lessons plan delivery and class management.
- Compiles and provides management with statistics and compliance reports on course delivery.
- Liaises with the Director and CAO to assess and improve the JU Graduate Attribute Program.
- In consultation with the Director, develops, monitors and evaluates the execution of the student development policy and procedures along with the Office of Student Affairs and Academic Deanship Unit.
- In consultation with the Director, develops and continuously improves faculty-student interactions through Staff-Liaison Committees.
- Supports the Learning and Development Academy in conducting relevant workshops and seminars.
- Liaises with the Director and CAO to evaluate student learning assessment practices.
- Conducts audits of course assessment and examination processes.
- Regularly issues compliance reports on course assessment execution and provides recommendations to the management team.
- Collaborates with HR, Academic Program Directors and Learning and Development Academy to conceptualize and mount appropriate instructor development workshops, seminars and conferences to include course design, course syllabus development, instructional design techniques and tools.
- Develops and coordinates required certification programs on teaching and learning that aim to prepare new instructional staff for teaching excellence.
- In consultation with the Director, establishes key communication channels to promote culture of learning and development.
- Executes activities when allocated within one of the University Taskforce Teams or special assignment.
- Participates in the PIEUs learning events and shares knowledge with colleagues within and outside the Unit in accordance with JU policies and practices.

Requirements

- Masters degree in instructional design, curriculum, educational psychology, educational technology or related discipline from an accredited university. A doctorate would be an asset.
- Minimum of 5 years professional experience in instructional design and 3 years in teacher training.
- Strong organization skills with ability to multi-task.
- Excellent communication skills in English as evidenced by experience in workshop delivery. Proficiency in Arabic would be a distinct advantage.
- Particular expertise and sound experience in teaching and learning in higher education; commitment to evidence-based practice; knowledge of instructional innovation and e-learning in higher education; experience with and strong interest in the use of technology to enhance learning in higher education.
- Familiarity with requirements for faculty success in teaching, research, and leadership; outstanding relationship skills; expertise in curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation, including learning outcomes assessments.
- Technical report writing and MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Visio and Project software) skills at intermediary level.
- Strong planning, negotiating and administrative skills are required.

About the Company

JUMEIRA University, a private higher education institute, prepares students for professional careers in Business, Education, Health science, Islamic and Arabic Studies. Our core learning values are founded on Educational Excellence, Equal Learning Opportunities and preserving the traditions of our community. We provide cutting edge technology facilities, option to study in English and Arabic and provide separate teaching and recreational facilities for both male and female students. We offer accredited bachelor programs in Business and Islamic Studies. Our bachelor programs in Health Science, Education and Arabic studies are under accreditation.