LTERC Seminar Series Presents

The Bureaucratic Model of Adult Instructional Design

Presenter: Jay Somasundaram (CQUniversity)

Resources

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Abstract

As Australia reviews its higher education framework, and the university embarks on a journey to renew its learning and teaching framework, it is apposite for the Learning and Teaching Education Research Centre to contribute as a forum for scholarly dialogue on learning and teaching models.

This seminar presents a ‘Bureaucratic' model of adult instructional design. The author argues that the Bureaucratic model is by far the dominant mental model, yet often operates below the level of explicit consciousness. The seminar explores the Bureaucratic Model as perhaps best described at two levels, that of the award and that of the course. A central connection between both is the concept of the Credit Point - that seeks to quantify Learning. The Credit Point is itself, through the Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL) tied to economic models that inform higher education funding policy (ie quantify Teaching). The purpose of the seminar is to present and explore the Bureaucratic Model as a narrative that we must understand if we are to influence the direction of adult education.

The seminar also explores the place of the bureaucratic model within the wider context of adult formal and informal learning. It draws on previously published research by the author and colleagues at CQUniversity.

Speaker Bio

Jay Somasundaram is a member of the University's administrative staff. He has been an active member of the University community of researchers into adult education for several years, regularly contributing to its research output and presenting seminars. This seminar is based on his interest in using systems theory and critical theory to better understand higher education.

Date of Presentation

21 October 2009