About us
The Teaching and Learning Development Unit at Sussex has its roots in the Teaching and Learning Support Programme, created in 1975 to ‘encourage and assist in course evaluation, curriculum development, support for staff (with particular reference to workshops and seminars for new staff), support for students (largely concerned with study skills) and any other matter associated with the improvement of teaching and learning’. (Eric Hewton, 'A Strategy for Promoting Curriculum Development in Universities', Studies in Higher Education, vol.4, no. 1, 1979)
Thirty-five years on, the original purpose of the TLDU is as relevant as ever, although increased student numbers and diversity, accelerating developments in technology and the need to ensure graduates are well-prepared for an international and changing world of work pose challenges to which fresh and creative responses are needed.
The TLDU’s focus is currently on:
- Promoting innovation in the delivery of curriculum, assessment and feedback, to maximise the reputation and attractiveness of Sussex courses;
- Providing a varied and relevant array of events and online resources for academic and related staff to develop the competence and confidence to innovate and refine their teaching skills, so that the student learning experience matches the high quality of designed curriculum content;
- Creating, in collaboration with other professional services, activities and resources which enable taught and research students to develop the academic and career-related skills to excel in degree studies and beyond.