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Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Instructors

Background

Effective teaching in higher education involves more than subject expertise: it requires the ability to design, structure, and deliver learning in ways that are pedagogically informed and responsive to diverse contexts. This course introduces key principles of university teaching and supports participants in developing practical skills in lesson planning, teaching approaches, and the use of effective instructional strategies within their discipline.

Course content

The course consists of an initial 3-5-minute micro-teaching session with peer and instructor feedback followed by interactive workshops, which include individual and group discussion and exercises on lesson planning, teaching approaches and tools, disciplinary adaptation, assessment practices, and contemporary issues in HE. The course concludes with a 15-minute micro-teaching session from each participant chosen from a pre-prepared 1.5 hour lesson plan, followed by peer and instructor feedback and reflective practice. This course offers both a theoretical and practical approach to teaching methods, learning tools, and a practical discussion of current issues for teachers in higher education, such as EDI and AI. The training is supported by resources available on the e-learning platform both during and after the course.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand key theories and principles underpinning teaching and learning in higher education (e.g. constructive alignment, learner-centred pedagogy, active learning).

  • Compare and evaluate different teaching approaches and tools and their relevance for diverse disciplinary contexts.

  • Design a coherent lesson plan that aligns learning outcomes, teaching activities, and assessment strategies.

  • Select and justify appropriate teaching methods and tools to support intended learning outcomes.

  • Adapt teaching approaches to context, disciplinary conventions and diverse student needs.

  • Deliver a short teaching session informed by pedagogical theory and techniques

  • Critically reflect on their own teaching practice using peer and instructor feedback.

  • Identify areas for improvement and formulate strategies for ongoing pedagogical development.

Fulfillment of the course criteria will lead to the award of the Teaching Certificate to form part of your portfolio when you apply for a teaching position.

Page last updated on 25/09/2026