The University is currently seeking approval to change name to University of the West of Scotland. We anticipate a decision on the name change later this year.
The PG Cert TLHE is a flexible, modular open-learning course with some classroom and workshop components, which uses practical, task-oriented material and activities to produce more effective teaching. The course is available internally to all academic and academic related staff, and arrangements can be made to enrol external course members. A regular teaching commitment is necessary, since the overall programme of assessment (both formative and summative) is focused on teaching practice and the preparation of learning materials.
Briefly, the content and aims of the four course modules are as follows:
This module aims to provide a base reference point for a number of topics critical to the professional development of a new or recently appointed lecturer and starts a process of reflective practice and responding to constructive feedback.
As a core module for the Postgraduate Certificate in TLHE this incorporates the three-day course in Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Higher Education which we run jointly with the University of Strathclyde twice a year - in January and September. Also there are staff development seminar and workshop sessions to back up the course materials on issues such as teaching portfolios, learning outcomes, student support and feedback, technical teaching skills and schedules of assessment. The development of a teaching portfolio - a key element in the work for the certificate - is initiated in this module.
This module aims to provide the course member with a theoretical perspective and practical experience of a range of techniques that could be used in Higher Education teaching, including methods for teaching large groups, small groups and individuals. It explores different media for learning: text based, visual, auditory, practical, experiential, multimedia and the use of C&IT. It also emphasises the potential mix of methods and media to ensure that the instructional approach is fully inclusive.
Module Three is concerned with principles and instruments of assessment and evaluation in Higher Education. The integral role of assessment in the learning process is recognised. The module reinforces the necessary connection between aims, assessment and learning outcomes. It emphasises the needs for validity, reliability and fairness in both, and considers the effects of assessment on students and evaluation on staff and programmes. A range of techniques is introduced from which the course member can select the most appropriate: e.g. peer and self assessment, computer based assessment, group work and project assessment.
This module considers teaching and learning in the broader context of relationships with colleagues and support services, both within the institution and within the higher education section generally. It recognises the need for academics to combine the management of tasks and responsibilities such as teaching, scholarship, research, student support and administration. The module also considers relationships with professional bodies such as the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the Institute for Learning and Teaching (ILTHE) and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
Following approval of the PG Cert TLHE programme by the NBS – now NHS Education for Scotland (NES)) – the programme team was also successful in being granted accreditation by the Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (ILTHE) – now incorporated in The Higher Education Academy. So all graduates are eligible to seek registered practitioner status with The Academy. Graduates in the fields of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting are qualified to apply for a recordable teaching qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
At present, completion of at least the core module (Module One) is part of the probationary requirement at the University.
For further details about the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, contact:
Dr Sandy Hutchison, Course Leader
Centre for Academic & Professional Development,
Tel: 0141 - 848 -3830;
Fax: 01041 - 848 - 3822;
Email: sandy.hutchison@paisley.ac.uk
[ Top of Page ]