A module for those new to teaching in Higher Education or keen to build on existing teaching experience.
About the module
The Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education module is designed to give you the core skills, methodologies and confidence essential for good teaching at university level, and support you to gain a nationally recognised teaching accreditation in the process.
The module is shaped by the Advance HE Professional Standards Framework (PSF 2023), a globally recognised framework for benchmarking success within higher education teaching and learning. Combining information with practical exercises and written assignments, this module gives you the professional skills and awareness needed to achieve Descriptor 1 of the PSF and to turn your teaching experience into an Associate Fellowship (AFHEA).
Learning outcomes
Participants who successfully complete the module will be able to:
- design and/or plan effective teaching and learning sessions that demonstrate practical application of knowledge and understanding of scholarship about the different ways in which students learn, alongside specific disciplinary approaches
- design, use and critically evaluate a range of discipline-specific learning activities including a range of teaching and learning materials and using learning technologies where appropriate
- demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the practical application of a range of assessment techniques to evaluate and support learning, and provide effective feedback that enables students to monitor their own progress and develop as independent learners
- evidence understanding and application of appropriate professional values relevant to your role through teaching practice.
Delivery model
The module runs a number of times each year, typically at the start of the Autumn and Spring terms. In-person and online versions are typically available.
Each module is delivered via a series of five workshops that introduce the core elements of facilitating teaching and learning at HE level, plus a range of asynchronous activities for you to complete in your own time. Workshop sessions are interactive, with a mixture of individual reflection, group work with fellow participants and lecture input from the course tutors. Additional content provided on Canvas includes slides, videos, discussion boards and online resources.
Assessment
The module is assessed via a portfolio assignment comprising:
- a reflective account of practice that includes pedagogic scholarship, draws on authentic HE teaching practice, and is mapped to the appropriate Professional Standards Framework dimensions. This can be presented either as a written reflection or a recorded presentation
- a teaching observation form comprising feedback on your practice from a colleague or an experienced peer.
To pass the module, participants must also attend all five teaching sessions.
Who should take this module
The Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy is an award designed to recognise early career HE teaching experience, which means you'll need to have experience teaching at FHEQ Level 4 or above to pass the module and gain this accreditation.
If you are currently teaching at the university and have less than three years’ experience teaching in higher education, you will be asked to complete Fundamentals as part of your teaching duties.
If you don’t currently have teaching duties or teaching experience you can complete Fundamentals in preparation for teaching or as part of your continued professional development.
If you are a PhD student, you are entitled to attend Fundamentals within the first two years of your PhD, even if you do not yet have teaching duties. Then, if you gain relevant HE teaching experience while you are still registered as a PhD student or working at the University, you will be eligible to complete the written assessment to pass the module and gain AFHEA recognition. Please note that you would need to submit the written assessment within two years of the original submission deadline for your cohort.
How to apply
To book a place on the module, visit the course booking and waiting list page.
Places are limited, so please book early if you can.