Tutoring

Our volunteer tutors and course leaders are the backbone of the organization.   Without them, there would be no U3A.
 
Whilst many of our tutors are retired lecturers or teachers, anyone who is interested in sharing their knowledge and expertise with other members and contributing to a vibrant, diverse and interesting course program, is encouraged to contact one of our Course Coordinators to discuss their ideas or proposals.
 
Convening a Special Interest Group
You don’t have to be a tutor and do all the teaching yourself in order to run a group.   And you don’t necessarily have to have a background in teaching or lecturing, or be an expert in the field!
 
If you are passionate about or have a strong interest in a particular subject – an interest that you think others might share -  then perhaps you might consider convening your own special interest group.
 
One way in which we can help get a special interest group up and running is by using course materials from U3A Online.   U3A Melbourne City has recently become a member. This means that, for a small cost, we can download course materials that a group can work through together, face-to-face, at their own pace.   There are about 55 independent study courses (and course materials) to choose from.
 
We can also help with the practicalities of getting your group established, and provide a comprehensive handbook to guide you through the process of group facilitation.
 
If you are interested in becoming a tutor or course leader, complete a Course Planning Form and send it to the Course Coordinator, via the office.
 
Resources

• Position Description – in development
• Tutors’ Handbook
• Tutor Code of Conduct – in development
• Course Feedback Form

Course Resources

U3A Online
a wealth of resources for U3A tutors and group leaders, including course materials, ideas for courses, email discussion group, email newsletter

U3A Network NSW
Resource Library:  a repository of course materials for U3As

Learning Works Radio
a lifelong learning radio initiative, based in South Australia, with online audio resources which can be downloaded  

YouTube Edu
videos and channels from college and university partners

Academic Earth
free video lectures from the world’s top scholars

MIT
MIT open courseware

iTunes U
free audio and video lectures on every subject from a host of universities, colleges and other education provider

 
Course Coordinators
Course Coordinators are available to discuss course proposals with prospective tutors and course leaders, and provide information about all aspects of running a course with U3A.  They also organize course promotion in the newsletter, schedule classes and book rooms and organize tutors’ meetings.
Teaching equipment available
A variety of teaching equipment is available for loan through the office including CD and DVD players, data projectors, slide projectors, etc.