Dr Dadi Chen (PGCert 2019) "I could see everyone appreciated the opportunity to learn how to improve our teaching in a scientific way. It was really a great challenge to attend the training and also to cope with our busy working agenda.
"We spent a lot of time reading literature and writing assignments after work. We really learned a lot from the courses, especially in critical reflections of our own teaching and assessment. With the various research tools and approaches provided, we became more aware of the rationale behind our teaching behaviour and more conscious about the choices we make in designing, delivering and evaluating our modules."
Introduction
Introduction to the Programme
Contemporary higher education institutions (HEIs) function within a rapidly evolving landscape and this transformation undeniably impacts their fundamental role of educating and facilitating learning. The dynamics of teaching and learning at the tertiary level are shaped by global developments in terms of student demographics, expanding global interconnectedness, the ubiquitous transformations of digital media, a growing emphasis on a market-driven approach to higher education as well as the advent of generative Artificial Intelligence which is transforming education.
This programme has been designed and crafted as a practical, hands-on, job-oriented or work-based programme centered on learning, teaching and assessment in higher education. Its purpose is to facilitate participants in enhancing their teaching practices to align with the current requirements and possibilities within higher education instruction and learning.
To support the career development of the participants as (inter)national teachers of higher education, the modules are designed based on the globally recognised Professional Standards Framework (PSF) developed by Advanced HE (2023). This certification of the programme aims at facilitating the growth and advancement of experienced and/or inexperienced educators who are committed to develop or hone their teaching skills and expertise.
Module 1: Advanced Pedagogy and Inclusive Higher Education
Module 1: Advanced Pedagogy and Inclusive Higher Education
This course aims to equip participants with advanced pedagogical knowledge and skills, enabling them to create engaging and effective learning environments for higher education students. By “advanced pedagogy”, we mean the innovative approaches to enhance teaching and learning with new technology. It involves employing research-based, learner-centered, and technology-enhanced techniques to augment the teaching and learning process in the context of digitalised international education as well as the transformation caused by generative AI.
Participants will delve into evidence-based teaching strategies, innovative instructional methods, and curriculum design principles to elevate their pedagogical expertise. Participants will explore various learning theories and their applications in higher education. Through a critical examination of these theories, they will gain insights into how students learn, allowing them to tailor their teaching approaches to meet the diverse needs of their learners.
Aims & Objectives
- Develop advanced pedagogies and instructional methods to create inclusive learning environments.
- Apply a deep understanding of various teaching and learning theories to design and adapt curriculum and teaching practices to maximize student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Adapt to evolving technology-enhanced educational landscapes and harness the potential of digital and AI tools.
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching by taking students' individual abilities and achievements into consideration.
- Critically evaluate the existing professional values, core knowledge, and ethical dimensions of teaching and learning in higher education.
- Develop the skills to drive positive and sustainable change in higher education institutions, fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment.
Module 2: Advancing Instructional Skills Through Evaluation
Module 2: Advancing Instructional Skills Through Evaluation
This module is designed to empower participants with advanced pedagogical techniques and strategies, enabling them to create engaging and effective learning environments in higher education settings. The focus is on utilising inclusive, innovative, research-based, learner-centered, and technology-enhanced approaches to augment teaching in the context of a digitalised, international educational landscape, including the transformative impact of generative AI.
Participants will engage with advanced instructional methods and curriculum design principles to refine their pedagogical expertise, exploring various learning theories and their practical applications to understand how students of various competencies learn best. This deeper comprehension allows educators to adapt their teaching methods to the diverse needs of their students effectively.
Aims & Objectives
- Enhance pedagogical skills with effective assessment techniques for diverse learning environments.
- Tailor teaching and assessments based on contemporary learning theories to optimise student engagement and outcomes.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop valid and reliable formative/summative/continuous/comprehensive assessment tools to assess student progress and guarantee the assurance of learning effectively.
- Incorporate digital tools and AI to enrich instructional practices via assessments.
- Foster the use of assessment data in educational strategy and policy development.
- Demonstrate the ability to initiate and lead changes that enhance teaching quality and learning experiences based on data obtained in evaluation.
- Develop leadership skills based on effective evaluation tools to lead educational reform initiatives, mentor colleagues, fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and accountability within educational organisations.
Module 3: Educational Enquiry Project
Module 3: Educational Enquiry Project
This module is designed to empower educators in higher education to become effective educational researchers and reflective practitioners. This course provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful inquiry, explore educational phenomena, and contribute to the advancement of teaching and learning practices in higher education.
Aims & Objectives
- Conduct rigorous educational research by designing and executing an original inquiry project that addresses a significant issue or question within the field of teaching and learning in higher education.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using relevant technology-enhanced research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative, to collect and analyse data relevant to the chosen research topic.
- Synthesize and critically evaluate existing educational research literature to situate the inquiry project within the broader context of teaching and learning in higher education.
- Communicate research findings effectively through written reports and oral presentations, demonstrating the ability to disseminate research outcomes to peers and stakeholders.
- Apply ethical considerations in all stages of the research process, upholding the highest standards of integrity and responsible conduct in educational inquiry.
- Reflect on the implications of the research project for their own teaching and learning practices, fostering a commitment to evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement in higher education settings.
Entry Requirements
- A Master's degree (any field of study)
- Current professional practice in Higher Education
- An IELTS score of 7.0 or higher
- A reference letter is not required; however, applicants must provide proof of employment in Higher Education, such as a work certification or letter from their employer.
- Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this course.
Apply / Information Request
Fill in the Information Request Form to get more information about our programmes and admissions process. You can also send an email to admission@wittenborg.eu, and one of our team members will reply to you as soon as possible.
Please note that our office is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00 Dutch time.
If you wish to directly start your application, please start your application here.