Professor Sir Ian Diamond congratulated staff from across the University who recently completed one of the Professional Taught Programmes delivered by the Centre for Academic Development at an event on Wednesday December 10.
Staff were awarded one of the following qualifications: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Learning & Teaching, Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education or Postgraduate Certificate in eLearning. All are 60 credit, Master’s level programmes, delivered by a multidisciplinary team consisting of staff from the educational development team within the Centre for Academic Development and academic staff from across the University. The Programmes adopt a blended learning approach with supported workshops and structured online learning which provide staff with opportunities to reflect upon their own educational practice. Successful completion also entitles staff to receive UK-wide recognition as Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
Professor Sir Ian Diamond said “It's a great pleasure to celebrate the success and achievements of our teaching staff. I am always hugely impressed by the time and commitment staff devote to enhancing the student learning experience.”
Dr Clare Trinder, School of Biological Science welcomed the opportunity to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Learning & Teaching. She commented: “Since completing the Programme I have become much more aware of different pedagogical approaches to teaching. I'm also really keen to try out new ideas and find out what sorts of interactions work for different students.”
The Centre now offers four part-time Postgraduate Certificate programmes in Higher Education-related topics (PG Certificates in Academic Practice, Learning & Teaching, eLearning, and Medical Education). All four Programmes including the new Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice are aligned explicitly with the UK Professional Standards Framework for Learning & Teaching in Higher Education, and are fully accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
Dr Darren Comber, the Programme Co-ordinator, added: “These programmes provide an excellent opportunity for staff to engage in continuing professional development in teaching, and gain University and external recognition for their achievements.”
The University is currently registering interest in the Postgraduate Certificate Programmes for the academic year 2015-16. Staff who are interested in finding out more about the range of programmes available are encouraged to contact Dr Joy Perkins, Educational & Employability Development Adviser at the Centre for Academic Development (j.perkins@abdn.ac.uk) in the first instance. The Programmes are open to all staff who currently teach or support learning at the University of Aberdeen.