Core pedagogical principles

A shared educational philosophy

At Sydney, students learn in a diverse, inclusive and intellectually exciting environment where knowledge and skills are constructed through collaborative and interactive inquiry. This is facilitated by skilled and culturally responsive educators through both personalised and collaborative learning cycles of inquiry, feedback and assessment centred on authentic problem solving and tasks.

Based on the philosophy outlined above, we will:

  • Provide an equitable and high-quality educational offering for all students (e.g. by adapting educational practices demonstrated to strengthen student engagement and educational outcomes);
  • Build a cohesive learning community inclusive of all students;
  • Offer equivalent and equitable assessment for all students;
  • Be able to transition quickly to a remote mode if necessary; and
  • Take advantage of the distinctive capabilities of available in-person, synchronous online, and asynchronous online formats for effective interactive and collaborative learning activities, recognising the particular value of in-person formats for undergraduate and professional entry graduate programs, and flexible online and intensive formats for post-experience postgraduate programs.

Principles guiding education at Sydney

Seven core pedagogical principles should infuse our purposively designed learning, teaching, and assessment activities. Keeping these in mind when designing activities will help to ensure students’ experiences are supportive, constructive and culturally competent. These principles and some examples of how they intersect with the above in typical class types are:

  1. Build teacher-student relationships
  2. Foster a sense of belonging and community
  3. Have clear communications and expectations
  4. Measure and support engagement
  5. Use engaging approaches to content delivery
  6. Offer meaningful assessment, feedback and academic integrity
  7. Be human