Topic 1: Principles for the Delivery of Education and Aberdeen 2040
Facilitators: Dr Aaron Thom & Dr Mary Pryor, Centre for Academic Development
This interactive session explored the University of Aberdeen's five Principles for the Delivery of Education, which underpin all teaching and learning activities at the University. The cross-disciplinary principles relate to a variety of teaching and learning methods and are applicable to teaching that is done in-person or online. Furthermore, since 1495, the University of Aberdeen has been open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others. The themes of: Inclusivity, Interdisciplinary, Internationalisation, and Sustainability were covered in relation to teaching.
Topic 2: Professional Values for Learning
Facilitators: Dr Darren Comber, Dr Mary Pryor & Dr Aaron Thom, Centre for Academic Development
This session explored the notion of values-driven education. Starting with your own values and how you think they are enacted through your teaching, within the session participants will compare those with the professional values laid out in Advance HE's Professional Standards Framework 2023. This exploration unpacked notions of academic identity and professionalism, using as a backdrop Barnett's (2000) notion of teaching in an age of 'supercomplexity' to question how the sector has developed over the intervening quarter century since its publication and what the implications for us are as educators.
Topic 3: Assessment for Learning
Facilitators: Dr Aaron Thom & Dr Mary Pryor, Centre for Academic Development
This session looked at the purpose of formative assessments in Higher Education teaching and learning. It considered the extent to which they can gauge how students are learning on a course. With various types of formative assessments being adopted by staff, and consequently students experiencing a range of them, this micro-credential encouraged participants to consider the role and function of assessments for learning rather than of learning.
Topic 4: Course and Programme Design and Co-ordination
Facilitators: Dr Donna MacCallum, Institute of Medical Sciences & Dr Aaron Thom, Centre for Academic Development
This session covered some essential components related to delivering a course or programme. It focused on key elements for those who are designing a new course or even refreshing materials ahead of co-ordinating an existing course in the new academic year. There was an interactive element for participants to exchange ideas with colleagues from a range of disciplines.
