Teaching at Tertiary Level WWW Resource

by Shirley Earl & Henry Ellington

Introduction

Over the 1995-1998 period, we’ve monitored debate and developments that relate to the accreditation of teachers in Higher Education in the UK. It’s become increasingly obvious that, sooner or later, a body like the new Institute for Learning & Teaching would emerge and that HE lecturers will be encouraged to obtain qualifications in learning and teaching as well as in their subject area.

A decade ago, in the late 1980s, the then Central Institutions Council for Educational Development (CICED) created common source materials that were made available across Scotland for prototype postgraduate learning and teaching qualifications for lecturers. We were involved with that initiative and, since then, we’ve run the Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching at the Robert Gordon University (RGU).

The 1997 version of that RGU course focuses on an entirely updated suite of 35 course booklets and linked study guides. It leads to an RGU Certificate that’s 60 SM point (Scottish Masters level) SCOTCAT (Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer) rated. Basically, it’s a flexible, open learning programme for lecturers.

In terms of 1995-1998 debate about accrediting University teachers, however, it has become increasingly obvious to us that programmes alone won't suffice. Qualitatively rigorous but flexible pathways towards accreditation will also be needed.

With such pathways in mind, we’ve created this WWW resource.

Prospectively, the resource may be used

  • for self-instruction
  • evidenced (through exercise content or otherwise), as a short course
  • evidenced (through exercise content), as a core introductory module and linked with a CPD portfolio to form a SCOTCAT rated award.

The resource provides

  • materials that let you use a systems approach to curriculum development in Higher Education (HE)
  • information on a selection of theories of learning
  • information and examples that let you use aims, learning outcomes and competence descriptors to steer student programmes in HE
  • an outline of teaching/learning methods, together with encouragement to think about how they can be used in HE
  • information on how computers can be used to support learning and teaching in HE
  • stepped experiential learning through the Web
  • an outline of assessment methods, together with encouragement to think about how they can be used in HE
  • information and examples that help you carry out effective appraisal and evaluation of teaching/learning in HE.

We also include exercises to encourage thought about underpinning professional principles and values.

Using the Resource

We hope you find this www resource useful and flexible.

Here, therefore, are a few pointers to get you started.

EXAMPLE DESCRIPTION
Click here

to see the authors

 Blue script (generally underlined) indicates a link. You click on it to move to another page, to visit another web site or to reveal an image. To return to the main text use the ‘back’ button at the top or bottom of your screen. If you try the blue script beside this text you’ll reveal the authors. Note that blue links turn purple once visited.
Animations simply liven some of the diagrams. Frequently, they are used to illustrate a sequence. Clicking won’t change anything.
A light bulb image identifies a specific point that warrants thought. It signals a useful aspect for self-study purposes, it does not require you to write or record anything.
Thumbnails are smaller, live images. If you click one you’ll reveal a larger and clearer image or a video clip or video and sound. You again use the ‘back’ button at the top or bottom of your screen to return to the main text. Try Van Gogh’s Wheatfield for practice.
Exercise Exercises are designed to encourage deeper learning. They are purposeful, helping you to relate theory and practice. They are interactive. You type in a response. We then suggest that you print it out and store it in a ring-binder as hard copy evidence of work completed. Your typed response will adjust automatically to vertical margins but it will not print beyond the bottom edge. Click the blue word ‘Exercise’ for practice, returning here by use of the ‘back’ button.

For whatever purpose you’re using this web resource - surfing, self-instruction, as a short-course or as part of award-bearing continuing professional development - enjoy it.

We wish you Good Luck.

Authorised and maintained by the Educational & Staff Development Section,

Centre for the Enhancement of Learning & Teaching

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