Rescue from the deep end: The case for postgraduate awards in teaching writing

Abstract

In the interests of continuing, and ensuring, teaching and learning excellence in the discipline of Writing, this paper proposes the provision of specialist courses to train university, and other post-compulsory education, teachers of writing. It will provide the rationale for doing so, drawing on Australian and international practice and research, and will put forward possible models for such a new program. This paper will show that such new qualifications will fill an immediate and, indeed an increasing, need for highly specialised pedagogic training in Australia, New Zealand and potentially the UK and the USA. The paper comprises three sections: the first demonstrates that there is an acknowledged need and proven demand for postgraduate qualifications that prepare staff to teach within higher education institutions; the second outlines the case for the provision of specialist training for those who teach creative or professional writing at post-compulsory level; and the third canvasses aspects of a proposed Graduate Certificate in Higher Education.