Enhancement and professional development
As individuals and as an institution we are always trying to do things better. This range of events offers ideas and guidance on many different modes of teaching and ways of developing teaching practice. Further material and resources on many aspects of teaching and learning in HE can be found in the Ideas and Guidance pages and there are many more links in the TLDU Web Links.
Previous events
Working Effectively with Associate Tutors - A short workshop for academic staff which aims to share ideas to enable Associate Tutors to contribute effectively to the teaching and assessment of modules. Content will include: sharing module aims, outcomes and requirements with ATs; organising materials and approaches to teaching across different ATs; ensuring assessment and feedback standards; seeking feedback from ATs to help with module evaluation; and training, resources and development options for ATs.
Peer Observation of Teaching- The workshop will provide an overview of the peer observation process at the University and outline the purposes of it. We will discuss how to get the most from peer observation on an individual basis and explore ideas to enhance and develop the scheme within departments.
Learning in Labs - A forum with experienced colleagues from the sciences to discuss the design, planning and running of laboratory based learning including large classes and supervision of project groups or individual students.
10 Minutes of Fame - your lecture in the spotlight! In response to several requests, we are offering the opportunity for you to give a 10 minute excerpt from a lecture or presentation which we will record. You’ll then get a chance to review your lecture on video with the facilitator and will also get detailed written feedback from the rest of the group. Group size is strictly limited and we promise a friendly and constructive experience!
PGCertHE Briefing - The PGCertHE is a two year part-time qualification open to all staff with a teaching or learning support role. The introductory session will explain the structure of the course and what is involved for anyone who may be interested in participating. Participants need a minimum of 20 hours teaching activities per year in order to complete the assessed portfolio.
Getting students to read for seminars - This is one of the commonest issues we hear about in TLDU from tutors. We’ve asked Tamsin Hinton-Smith, Sociology to share the approaches she has used which have proved successful over many student cohorts. Tamsin’s students themselves describe how the way the seminars are structured “ensures that we actually do reading” and “makes us engage with week's reading and each other”.
Student-Centred Learning - Ideas and approaches to put student learning at the centre of teaching contact time. This session will explore ideas behind active learning and provide an opportunity to re-think your own approach to session design and teaching. Case studies from a variety of subject areas will be used to spark debate and provide inspiration.
Quality Assurance and Enhancement - An overview of the quality assurance processes in place within the University and some ideas on how to contribute to quality enhancement through formative evaluation of your own teaching.
Preparing a Teaching Portfolio - A guide to putting together a portfolio to demonstrate your experience and development in teaching and supporting learners. The session will take a step-by-step approach providing a framework for you to think about your own teaching and plan how you can encapsulate your practice in a portfolio format.
Academic Advising - The role of the Advisor; making a good start; practicalities and tools; communication; giving feedback; encouraging students to manage their learning; setting boundaries; when to refer; managing confidentiality; difficult situations and common student problems.
UK Education for New International Staff - A guide for staff new to the Higher Education system in the UK. It will cover the structure and type of qualifications taught in schools including a brief update on current changes to the 14-19 curriculum. The UCAS admission system for application to university will be explained. A brief overview of the funding and organisation of the HE system will be provided.
Evaluating your Teaching - This session will explore different sources of feedback from students, colleagues, own observations and marking of assessed work which can be used to help inform the evaluation of teaching beyond standard end of module SEQs.
Learning in Small Groups - This workshop will explore the benefits and challenges of facilitating student learning in small groups, whether you have 2 or 30 students. There will be the opportunity to discuss ways to manage potential problem issues and a chance to share ideas and approaches to facilitating small group learning.
Understanding Reflective Practice - An opportunity to explore some tools and models developed to support a systematic approach to reflective practice likely to result in continued improvements to teaching and a deep understanding of the interactions between teaching and learning in your own practice. This session will be particularly useful for those developing a portfolio, grant application or publication about teaching and learning practice.
Making the most of your Research in Teaching- In this seminar case studies will be used to explore how a tutor's research can be used in undergraduate teaching beyond optional courses and the supervision of project students.
Supervising Undergraduate Students - A forum to exchange ideas and practice for the supervision of undergraduate students working on projects or dissertations.
Learning in Large Groups - This session will explore techniques and approaches to ensure effective learning for students and time efficiency for lecturers when student numbers increase. The session will include ideas and case studies covering aspects of curriculum design, assessment, feedback and teaching methods.
Effective Lecturing - We will consider ways to enhance student learning in a lecture setting. We will look at evidence from research on attention and retention in a traditional lecture and consider a number of strategies and ideas to move towards interactive lectures. There will also be the opportunity to discuss some of the performative aspects of lecturing including coping with nerves, managing the environment and facilities, using visual aids, dealing with disruptions, answering questions and time management.
Planning Sessions - This interactive workshop will introduce a useful tool to enable you to manage your seminars and tutorials more effectively. You will practise session planning using a template that encourages consideration of outcomes, timing, methods, resources and assessment.
Taking a scholarly approach to Teaching and Learning - There are two parts to this session, firstly a senior colleague will share their personal insights into the value and benefits of using pedagogic research to enhance and inform their own teaching. Part 2 will guide you on how to access, find and approach educational literature. This session will be relevant for anyone looking to develop a portfolio, grant application or publication about teaching and learning practice in HE and of interest to anyone wanting to develop an area of their own practice in a scholarly way.
Student Learning: some concepts and approaches - This session will look at some of the ideas and models of learning that are widely used in Higher Education. It will include conceptions of and approaches to learning, learning styles, adult learning and other ideas that may give some useful insights into your own teaching.