Staff from across the University involved in teaching were recognised at a special event hosted by the Principal this week following their achievement of a Postgraduate Certificate in either Learning & Teaching, Academic Practice or Medical Education.
Three staff were also recognised for their scholarly pursuit in achieving a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education. The Principal, Professor Sir Ian Diamond said: “It's a great pleasure to celebrate the success and achievement of staff. While I can't remember my own initial introductory teaching course, I can remember every five minute presentation there has been at these events because they're so good."
The Postgraduate Certificate suite provides a one-year programme of study, comprising two 30-credit courses. The first course, Components of the Learning Environment in Higher Education is core to all programmes and is delivered in the first-half session. Participants then select a further 30-credit specialist course, taught in the second-half session. Courses are assessed in a variety of innovative ways, which provide participants with the opportunity to reflect on and develop different aspects of their higher education teaching and/or academic practice. The suite of programmes is accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), a national, independent organisation which champions learning and teaching excellence in higher education. Upon successful completion, participants are eligible to become Fellows of the HEA.
The event showcased two short presentations from Dr Tyler Stephenson, Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences and Dr Mirjam Brady-Van den Bos, Teaching Fellow, School of Psychology. Both staff reflected upon their experiences of undertaking the programme, highlighting how it has enabled them to develop a reflective, self-critical, evidence-based approach to their practice.
Dr Darren Comber, Senior Educational Developer paid tribute to the staff who completed one of the programmes and said: “It is a significant achievement to achieve this award and to gain University and external recognition for your hard work and commitment.”
For further details of how staff can engage with the Postgraduate Certificate suite of programmes, and begin working towards professional recognition for their teaching contact, Dr Joy Perkins, Educational & Employability Development Adviser.