The advantages to students, staff and the university in the strategic development of networks and connections within a first year tutoring team
Year: 2016
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Collaboration, collegiality and networks are a vital component of the success of students and of universities in general. In an era of increasing casualization, it can be difficult to ensure that sessional staff feel a sense of belonging and are properly resourced to support their students. This paper examines the nature and potential of the relationships of a large, foundational, first year teaching team. In a survey of 22 staff, the study found high levels of social capital, manifested as trust, relatedness and collaborative tendencies. Staff considered their networks to be very important to their success in teaching, providing access to information, resources and support. Much weaker connections were identified within the wider university institution, potentially resulting in in an over-reliance on internal networks and a paucity of access to new ideas. This paper discusses the benefits of social capital for tutors, teaching teams, students and the university institution.
Authors: Bye, Lee-anne, Jenner, Peter, Nash, Greg, Crawley, Steven
Institutions: The University of Melbourne, University of the Sunshine Coast
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2725343717