Overview

This is the first module in the Postgraduate Certificate programme and covers a range of topics including large class teaching, student engagement, technologies, civic engagement and research-led teaching. The course is based on scheduled class sessions, often with guest presenters and always with discussion! Participants will maintain an online ‘learning journal’ and undertake a number of readings and other specified activities

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, participants should be able to:

• Identify some of the key theories of learning in the higher education context and describe research findings on how students learn;
• Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of teaching approaches which may be undertaken within particular contexts;
• Debate and engage with some of the contemporary issues in higher education that impact on teaching practice;
• Demonstrate a willingness to reflect on their own practice.

Requirements

Participants must be currently engaged in teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels, preferably in a number of modes (eg lectures, small group teaching) and are required to undertake feedback and reflect upon their teaching practice and experience.

Assessment

The module is assessed via a reflective learning journal (in Blackboard) which all participants must regularly update throughout the semester, responding to prompts and questions raised on each topic.

• A tutor/mentor will provide feedback on individual entries.
• This journal is private and only accessible to the course team and external examiner.
• Other course participants do not have access to each other’s entries.
• A rubric is provided to give an indication of the requirements.