Job Discussion Forums

[dolfin16]

Hi Guys,

I've been asked to teach an Academic Writing course for first year Uni students. I have a lot of experience; however, I've always taught at places which have fully developed courses and materials. This place has NOTHING, no resources, no texts and they want me to write and deliver the course, but are only paying for the teaching hours. Can anyone suggest a reasonable hourly rate of pay for course writing? Would you charge the same as for teaching?

thanks a lot!

Dolfin

[spiral78]

In my experience of European and Canadian universities, developing a new course is usually costed out at 3:1 (meaning you should be paid three hours for every hour of contact materials you produce).

I find it often takes actually longer, and occasionally less in reality, but this is at least a very limited 'industry standard,' in an industry where there are no standards.

(I have been writing such stuff for about 17 years now, for several universities, so if I can help with details, feel free to send me a PM once you have the requisite 6 prior posts).

[nomad soul]

[dolfin16]

Thanks Spiral,

Yes, that does seem reasonable, and I'd love to connect with you once I get 6 posts in.

[yurii]

[spiral78]

Lesson prep is not equivalent to course design.

Course design is usually funded by an institution in order to produce standardized course materials that can be used by multiple teachers and ideally over more than one academic year. This is particularly true when student outcomes impact GPA, stipends, or other types of student subsidies.


Course design ideally is done based in relevant literature and also often involves designing standardized marking standards for the writing produced by the students in the specific situation.

Essentially, in institutions that use formal course materials, you don't have the option to wing it on your own, as the student outcomes are carefully measured and can be relatively high-stakes.

It seems to me that the institution in question may be trying to hire an experienced teacher to produce materials that can be used by others - in which case they certainly should be paying for the development work.

OP, I'll reply more thoughtfully to your PM later today. I might have some resources that could be useful.

[nomad soul]

[santi84]

Where you are located?

It's $30-50/hour standard here in Canada (range for inexperienced/not finished graduate quals to experienced with graduate quals). I learned long ago not to take on contracts that won't pay anything but teaching hours. If they are expecting me to provide original lesson planning and resources, they can fork over the hours for it.

[nomad soul]

Also, are you able to design and develop the full course before you start teaching it, or do they see you as developing the instruction and content as you teach? Obviously, the former is better if you don't have to start teaching right away. Plus, it separates the two hats you'll have to wear.

[yurii]

[spiral78]

I have taught Asians, but never in Asia. Teaching TEFL is not the same gig as teaching academic writing where I am. You are correct that where the OP is teaching matters to this conversation.