Staff Training and Development

1. Staff Training and Development A Personal Perspective Alan McLennan Flinders University School of Biological Sciences

2. Background • Working at Flinders University, School of Biological Sciences for 9 years • Have a B.Sc (Hons) in Zoology (1991) • Studying at Flinders for the last 4 years • Field of study:- BA majoring in Geography, specialising in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Spatial Statistics/Modelling • Submitted my last assignment yesterday

3. What training options are available? • The staff training and development unit does offer a range of short courses available to all staff • Are there any specific to technical staff? • Maybe. Courses are broadly structured to cater for a range of staff

4. Introduction to Meetingmaker • Project Management • Applying for Animal Ethics Approval • Time Management – 10 tips • Introduction to SPSS • Intermediate SPSS • Using Dreamweaver to Maintain Websites • Introduction to Excel – Entering and Formatting Data • Using Formulas and Functions in Excel • Managing Long Documents in Word • Overview to Endnote • Project Management

5. Introduction to PowerPoint • Introduction to qualitative research methods • Introduction to Word – Formatting text • Overview of NVivo • Computer Maintenance • Formatting Documents using Styles in Word • Relational Data Bases • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving • Questionnaires and Questionnaire Design • Using Electronic Journals for Academic Research • Approaches to qualitative data analysis • Electrical Safety Testing Part I & II • Train the Trainer

6. However, many aimed at academic and administrative staff, and postgraduate students • I examined options of fields of study that would be of benefit at a personal and professional level • I then investigated the level of support I would receive from the Staff Training and Development Unit and my supervisor

7. How do I study while at work? • Flinders Staff Training and Development Unit • Assists staff in pursuing tertiary study while working at Flinders University • Pays all fees (excepting HECS) • In conjunction with supervisor, allows staff the flexibility of up to 6 hours per week for attending formal contact hours (lectures and tutorials) • My average study leave from work over 4 years:- 4 hours per week per semester

8. Why study? • Expand skill base • Personal interest • Other employment options, both within and outside the university environment • New focus at work • Motivation (personal and professional) • NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT SUPPORT FROM MY SUPERVISORS AND THE STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT

9. Is part time study difficult? • In short, YES • Study is difficult, but rewarding • I have a young family, and my study has had minimal impact on family life (I think!) • I have adapted to a nocturnal study routine that allows time for children on weekends

10. Does my employer support me? • YES. Fortunately I am very lucky • My direct supervisor can see the long term benefits – for myself and the School, and has been very supportive • My time off work has had minimal (or no) impact on my day to day tasks

11. Are others in my area studying? • Yes. I am not the only staff member in my section studying. I was also not the first. • I would probably not be studying if other staff members had not been doing it either (including my supervisor)

12. Why did I choose Geography? • I can see the increasing use of GIS in our School alone, with increasing use in Archaeology, Social Sciences and Earth Sciences at Flinders University • Spatial statistics is becoming increasingly important in the environmental sciences • Presently in Biological Sciences, there is no resident ‘expert’ in GIS (not that I am an expert) • Future opportunity? I believe so.