Annual Review 2016 | Page 23

TRANSFORMATION OF LEARNING SPACES As part of our ongoing investment in new generation learning spaces, the Library has embarked on a long-term refurbishment and expansion plan. The first stage of the plan resulted in the opening of the Library & Learning Commons (LLC) expansion in April 2016. This provides additional capacity of 220 seats for our growing student population. The expansion features flexible and adaptable learning spaces designed for individual study, group work and collaborative learning. The second stage of the LLC’s transformation, which commenced in December 2016, will include the expansion and upgrading of technology-enabled facilities, including the Library Training Room two new zones equipped with laptop workstations. RESEARCH SKILL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Work-ready graduates require high level research skills alongside specific discipline knowledge. To enhance our graduates’ skills, we have embarked on implementing the Research Skill Development (RSD) framework, a campus-wide strategic initiative led by the LLC. Emulating the successful model in place at Monash University Australia, the RSD framework brings academic staff, librarians and learning skills advisers together to ensure the explicit embedding of information research, learning and employability skills in the curriculum. The RSD is an important component in our overall BTBL agenda and reflects our commitment to the holistic approach to student development set out in the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint. MONASH EDUCATION ACADEMY The Monash Education Academy is dedicated to encouraging the development of our educators. The Academy delivers a range of professional development initiatives to assist educators in their response to the changing needs of modern education, and supporting students to learn more efficiently. The Academy has worked closely with the Malaysian Fellow of the Academy to implement a mentoring scheme, helping our teachers to be recognised as Education leaders at Monash. We are also working closely with the Academy to showcase our outstanding educational innovations to the wider Monash community, and beyond. The Academy is a strong supporter of educational innovation with new initiatives on our campus ranging from e-learning podcasts, to game-based learning and futuristic augmented reality. 21