UNSW's Teaching Commons

Teaching Commons logo

A space for education and educators at UNSW

The Teaching Commons is a friendly space, where our teaching and education staff are able to connect, collaborate and share ideas. Colleagues are welcome to drop in to meet others and get help or advice from an Educational Developer, Education Focussed colleague, Academic Librarian, Academic Facilitator or a Learning Advisor.  

Our Teaching Commons is also starting to host many of our educational meetings, programs, workshops and events.

Spaces

Book a meeting or event

UNSW staff can request to book a meeting or an event at the Teaching Commons using the form below. Prior to completing the form, please check room availability by looking up 'Kens F12 Gnd Commons Dalton Meeting Room' in your Outlook Calendar.

Please note, the space is only accessible Tuesday to Thursday in T3 2023. For any questions, please email the Teaching Commons team.

Request booking

What's on this week?

The Teaching Commons is home to many series of education events at UNSW. Check out below what events are hosted here this week:

Monday 25 September - Friday 29 September 2023

Date Time Topic
Tue 26/9 9.30 - 10.30am

ETS Workshop: How to Respond To and Reduce EdTech Emergencies

Tue 26/9 12.30 - 1.45pm EF Sessional Academic Voices Panel 2023 
Wed 27/9 10 - 11.30am Lightning Workshop: Designing Rubrics That Work
Wed 27/9 12.30 - 1.30pm

Chatting about AI in Education

(see info in the Drop-in section below)

Wed 27/9 1.30 - 3pm

Lightning Workshop: TiLT in Assessment

Thu 28/9 12 - 1.30pm

Lightning Workshop: TiLT in Assessment

Visit the Events page for all upcoming Education events including events held at the Teaching Commons.

View all upcoming events

Drop in for help or advice

Pop in any time during open hours 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Thursday to chat with a Nexus or PVCESE colleague, or book an appointment for a specific time.

Make an appointment

For specialised themed drop-in sessions, see schedule below.

2023 Drop-In Sessions Schedule

(no registration or booking required, just pop in)

Service Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays
Outreach Librarians 11am-1pm 11am-1pm 11am-1pm
Academic Skills 2-3pm 2-3pm  
Chatting about AI in Education   Between 12 and 2 (expand "AI in education" below for exact times)  

 

What can you expect from these drop-in services?

Come and meet UNSW Library’s Outreach Librarians at our drop-in sessions. Academic teaching staff can ask about guidance in customising reading lists to align with course requirements. For further information, please email the individual Outreach Librarians here.

You can ask questions about how to help students improve their writing, speaking, presenting, and thinking skills in your course design and classroom teaching. For further information, please email academicskills@unsw.edu.au

Additional service: English Language Support

  • Embedding various language literacy tools and services into courses (e.g. Communication Coach)
  • Feedback on students’ drafts of written work (Studiosity)
  • Extra-curricular programs for building students’ confidence with their language (myEnglish Week)

For further information, please email englishsupport@unsw.edu.au or Dr Neda Chepinchikj at n.chepinchikj@unsw.edu.au

Are you curious about AI in Education and how it can transform your teaching and learning experience? Come and join PVCESE Innovation colleagues and others for exciting, informal Wednesday chats in the Commons!

T3 schedule: (all Wednesdays)

Week 3, 27 September, 12.30pm-1.30pm

Week 5, 11 October, 1pm-2pm

Week 7, 25 October, 12pm-1pm

 

Get assistance with any EdTech-related questions. Struggling with Moodle or its various integrated tools? Feel free to stop by the Teaching Commons for personalised support. For further information, click here.

Dalton building undercroft mosaics located within Teaching Commons

Created by Douglas Annand

Glass tile mosaic mural; four panels

Commissioned 1957. UNSW Art Collection

In 1957 UNSW commissioned leading modernist designer Douglas Annand (1903—76) to create a suite of mosaic murals for the undercroft and stairwell of the Dalton Chemistry Building. These mosaics epitomise the integration of art and architecture that informed the early planning of the campus and are amongst Annand’s most significant public works still in their original location. In 1999 the undercroft was enclosed, first becoming a café and in 2023 transformed into its present configuration.

Learn more about the mosaics and artist (number 19 & 20)