MODULE OVERVIEW:

    Module Aims:

    • To introduce participants to basic pedagogical and teaching and learning theory and practice in higher education in Ireland.
    • To introduce them to practical approaches to classroom management, relevant to their own roles and context and to engage students in the learning process.
    • Instil confidence and a developmental and reflective approach to their support of student learning in their roles as tutors, demonstrators and teaching assistants.

    Learning outcomes
     
    At the end of the module participants should be able to:

    • Identify issues and solutions in respect of teaching and supporting students in their individual roles as tutors, demonstrators or teaching assistants.
    • Describe their personal philosophy of teaching and how it influences their own practice and continuous professional development (CPD).
    • Reflect on their own teaching, using feedback from a range of sources including students, peers and course materials.
    • Design a teaching session using recognised conventions for writing learning outcomes and planning at a micro level.
    • Identify and apply relevant methods, strategies and techniques to engage students in the learning process.
    • Assess students’ learning both formally and informally.
    • Refer to recognised higher education teaching and learning research and practice and how it informs their own philosophy and approach to teaching.

    Topics
    The module will engage in and explore the following core topics:
     

    • Introduction to Learning theory and exploring philosophies of teaching and learning
    • Exploring the role of tutor/demonstrator/teaching assistant in the university context and opportunities for continuous professional development in higher education teaching
    • Reflective practice skills to evaluate and improve your own practice.
    • The benefits and uses of learning technology for learning and assessment
    • The skill of facilitation and for small and large group tutorials and labs
    • Classroom management and introduction to microteaching skills; introduction activities, class planning, questioning skills, facilitating discussion, using whiteboards and other resources, managing time.
    • Assessment for, of and as learning; using formative assessment approaches to drive learning and revision.