Learning Skills Specialist - Toronto, Canada - OCAD University

OCAD University

Verified Company

Toronto, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

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Description

Reporting to the Associate Director, Teaching and Learning and working collaboratively with the Writing & Learning Centre (WLC) staff team, the Learning Skills Specialist develops, plans and delivers learning support programs for students at OCAD University (OCAD U), with the aim of enhancing student academic success, engagement and retention.

Although the WLC's learning support programs are open to all OCAD U students, there is a particular emphasis on supporting students who identify as having a disability, including those registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS), and on developing learning support programming that addresses the intersectional learning experiences of OCAD U's diverse student body.

The Learning Skills Specialist collaborates with SAS staff to facilitate holistic student supports and on initiatives that enhance access to learning for OCAD U students.

This role broadly serves as a resource in the areas of student learning skills development and accessible and inclusive pedagogy, informed by a commitment to equity, access, decolonization and an understanding of Disability Studies theory and practice.

The Writing & Learning Centre is co-located and collaborates closely with the Faculty & Curriculum Development Centre (FCDC).

Together, the WLC and FCDC are responsible for programming and cross-campus educational initiatives that support teaching and learning and the student experience at OCAD U.

Summary of Responsibilities:

In collaboration with the Program Supervisor, and under guidance of Associate Director, contribute to the development of an annual plan of WLC programming; develop and deliver learning support programs (e.g. oneonone, small group, peerbased, cocurricular, classroombased) to facilitate student learning skills development with an emphasis on supporting the success of students with disabilities
Provide individual learning skills consultations with students drawing from learning strategy best practice and a commitment to equity, access and decolonization; with students
Within learning skills programming, develop then provide student support and learning in the use of current apps and technologies (including those targeted to needs of students with disabilities) for navigating learning challenges and/or enhancing academic success
Develop and deliver academic orientation and transition programming for students with disabilities; contribute to WLC orientation and transition programming, as required
Develop and deliver academic skills workshops for students on probation, including supporting implementation of Learning Skills for Success (online and asynchronous program for students on probation)
Work closely with SAS to deliver student programming and faculty support that strengthens access and accommodations processes for disabled students, including students registered with SAS
Develop and maintain student learning resources to support their success in in person, blended and online learning environments
In consultation with the Program Supervisor, develop and implement WLC student learning support program policies and procedures
Facilitate timely and effective student referrals within the WLC and between the WLC and the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and other areas of the university
Assist with development and maintainence of web content to advance the Learning Skills portfolio
Contribute to WLC promotional and outreach initiatives related to student learning support programs at the WLC
Collaborate with Faculty & Curriculum Development Centre personnel to develop and deliver faculty and staff professional learning opportunities to promote best practices in student learning skills development and accessible and inclusive pedagogy, informed by equitybased and Disability Studies approaches to education; collaborate with the Program Supervisor to deliver annual preservice and inservice training for WLC program delivery staff
Actively contribute to Learning Skills professional communities and conversations as well as best practice investigations and advancements in learning skills development and inclusive pedagogy for art and design education; share research findings through a variety of knowledge dissemination activities
Develop program evaluation tools and collaborate with the Program Coordinator to implement evaluation and program monitoring practices; review and refine programming to reflect participant feedback and emerging research and approaches
Fulfill WLC and Ministry reporting requirements
Participate in departmental planning in support of the university's strategic and academic plans and WLC goals and objectives; participate on relevant permanent or adhoc University committees, as required
Assist the Director(s) in other related tasks that contribute to the successful operation of the WLC and support the Centre's strategic directions