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  1.  Governing policy

These guidelines are related to the implementation of the Learning and Teaching Principles outlined in the Learning and Teaching Policy.

  1.  Scope

The guidelines apply to all staff and students.

  1.  Guidelines for implementing the Learning and Teaching Principles

The Institution’s approach to learning and teaching at the Institution is underpinned by a set of principles which are embedded into every course. These guidelines help ensure that the principles are implemented in both new and revised subjects and courses.

1. Learning at ICMS is industry-focused, with courses developing contemporary knowledge and skills needed for professional success.
Elements Examples and possibilities
1.1 Innovation for courses is supported through active engagement with industry and scholarly practice.

 

Industry experts are consulted during course development and periodic review to provide advice on relevance, currency and professional expectations.

Feedback from industry placement partners is systematically gathered and used to inform continuous course improvement.

1.2 All subjects have a combination of industry focussed and current content;

and

modern ways of learning and teaching and the development of 21st Century graduate skills such as digital literacy.

 

Subject designs ensure a deliberate balance between disciplinary knowledge and applied skill development.

Learning activities are designed to be inclusive, engaging, challenging and authentic, for example through group projects, site visits, industry competitions and simulations.

Digital learning activities may include recognition mechanisms (such as digital badges) to contribute to student portfolios.

Digital learning is designed to be accessible and inclusive (including use of clear structure, readable formats and accessible documents) and provide students with guidance on academic integrity and the ethical use of digital tools.

Each subject maintains a consistent, student-centred learning management system presence, with clear navigation, current assessment information, weekly topics and timely announcements.

Regular subject review processes ensure the ongoing relevance, currency and authenticity of learning and assessment activities.

1.3 Students develop and maintain a portfolio to evidence learning and reflective practice from their first year of study through to graduation. Core subjects across courses include the establishment of a portfolio, with selected assessment tasks progressively building evidence towards graduation.

Reflective assessments and participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities support students to document and reflect on the development of their knowledge, skills and professional capabilities.

Portfolios are designed to be used by students as a showcase for employers, supporting career development, graduate employability and transition into professional roles.

2. Learning at ICMS is global, with courses exploring international perspectives, intercultural capability and global citizenship.
Elements Examples and possibilities
2.1 Intercultural engagement begins at commencement and is embedded in the student experience from day one.

 

Orientation programs are designed to welcome all students and promote early connections across domestic or international cohorts.

Orientation and early trimester activities acknowledge, value and incorporate students’ diverse cultural, educational and lived experiences. Campus-based activities foster cross-cultural interaction, a sense of belonging and an inclusive learning community.

2.2 The curriculum incorporates learning activities that develop intercultural awareness, ethical understanding and sustainability perspectives.

 

In-class activities encourage students to get to know one another and build connections.

Learning activities incorporate global perspectives and examples from diverse cultural, national and regional contexts.

Case studies from different cultural context are used to explore contrasting approaches business, leadership and professional practice. Field trips, site visits, speakers and activities familiarise students with local and national environments, ways of thinking and cultural norms.

Guest speakers with international and cross-cultural experience present real-world insights to students.

Structured collaborative activities (such as paired or group discussions) enable students to compare cultural perspectives in a supported and respectful environment.

Role play and simulation activities require students to engage with different cultural, ethical and sustainability perspectives.

Topics are explored through sustainability or ethical perspectives, including consideration of global impacts on industries, communities and business models.

2.3 Graduate capabilities such as leadership, communication and intercultural competence are developed, assessed and evidenced across courses.

 

Assessment tasks are designed to introduce, develop and assess graduate capabilities progressively across courses.

Reflective tasks guide students to identify, describe and evidence the development of their skills.

Real-world simulations and authentic tasks are incorporated across subjects to support Graduate Capability development.

3. Learning at ICMS is connected, with courses fostering meaningful links between students, staff, industry partners and the wider community.
Elements Examples and possibilities
3.1 Learning and teaching activities prioritise active engagement and connection between students, knowledge and skills. Lesson design incorporates active and collaborative learning activities for a substantial proportion of scheduled class time, supporting peer interaction and application of learning.

Students engage in structured peer reflection (e.g. paired or small group discussions) to identify connections between current topics and previously learned concepts.

Formative tasks such as quizzes, glossaries or short applied exercises build confidence with discipline specific language and key concepts.

Explicit explanation of content is purposefully balanced with opportunities for students to engage in practice, discussion, and application.

New subjects include facilitator notes to support aligned approaches to engagement and to guide the lecturer-student interaction pattern.

3.2 Connections between discipline knowledge, professional skills and real-world application are made explicit in every week topic.

 

Teaching staff clearly articulate the relevance of subject content to professional practice, industry contexts and graduate capabilities.

Relevance of knowledge and skills is explained to foster engagement.

Reflective learning activities prompt students to relate key concepts to their work, placement or life experiences where appropriate.

Industry placement and work-integrated learning reflections are structured to explicitly connect classroom theory with workplace practice and professional skill development and experiences.

3.3 Physical and digital learning environments are designed to promote collaboration, interaction and connection among students. Default classroom layouts use clustered tables rather than rows to encourage collaborative learning and peer interaction.

Learning spaces (physical and digital) are configured to support discussion, teamwork and active participation in class activities.

Learning environments (physical and digital) are designed to be accessible, including reasonable adjustments where required.

4. Learning at ICMS is empowering, with clarity, transparency and support enabling students and staff to understand what success looks like and how it can be achieved.
Elements Examples and possibilities
4.1 Every student’s learning journey is supported through mentoring, recognition and access to appropriate academic and support services.

 

A professional mentor approach supports students throughout their studies, fostering confidence and academic engagement.

Orientation programs introduce support services and guidance for student success.

Online resources are available to support academic skills development and academic integrity.

Excellence among students and staff is recognised through scholarships and awards, with eligibility criteria clearly published and accessible.

4.2 Policies and procedures are clear, transparent and easy to access. A central, authoritative repository provides access to all institutional policies, procedures and guidelines.

Policies are developed and reviewed to align with principles of clarity, transparency and usability and regularly reviewed to ensure accuracy and currency.

Minimum standards for digital delivery are defined and reviewed to support consistent student experience across subjects and modes.

4.3 Assessment requirements and standards are explicit, consistent and transparent. Tasks have clear instructions, standards-based grading rubrics, templates and models.

 

Subject development and delivery templates include minimum standards for assessment design and delivery.

All assessment tasks include clear instructions, standards-based rubrics, and where appropriate, templates or exemplar materials to guide student work, and lecturer feedback.

4.4   Students are supported and encouraged to seek timely academic guidance. Lecturers are available for one hour per week, per subject, for student consultations to support students with academic enquiries.

Students are encouraged to contact lecturers outside of consultation times, where appropriate, via agreed communication channels such as email or the learning management system

Additional academic skills and numeracy support is available through the Student Success Centre to assist students in meeting academic standards and achieving success.

4. Version History

Summary of changes Approval date Approved by
Created 1 September 2018 Learning and Teaching Committee
  29 September 2022 Learning and Teaching Committee
Grammatical changes to the principles, and examples refined to reflect those changes.   Academic Board