University Teaching

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/university-teaching

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: University Teaching on Coursera #### Overview The "University Teaching" course offered on Coursera is a stellar initiative aimed at elevating the skills and knowledge of individuals aspiring to excel in higher education. Developed by the esteemed Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning at the University of Hong Kong, this course is crafted not just for novice educators but also for seasoned professionals looking to refine their teaching methodologies and understanding of effective learning paradigms. In an era where quality education is paramount, this course presents a unique opportunity by weaving together insights from teaching award winners, students, and subject matter experts. What stands out is its evidence-based approach, emphasizing a research-informed framework that shapes effective university teaching practices. #### What to Expect from the Syllabus The course is structured into six well-defined modules, each focusing on critical aspects of university teaching: 1. **Course Introduction**: This sets the tone for your learning journey, familiarizing you with the course layout and expectations. 2. **What does it look like teaching in higher education?**: In this module, learners will explore what teaching in tertiary education truly entails, touching on responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities. It's an essential section that encourages educators to reflect on their roles in a broader educational context. 3. **What does research tell us about effective teaching in higher education?**: This module is particularly valuable as it distills extensive research into digestible essentials. It helps participants distinguish between tried-and-true methods versus ineffective practices, enabling them to make informed decisions in their teaching. 4. **How shall we go about curriculum and instructional design?**: This hands-on module will introduce key concepts in instructional design, with insights directly from pioneers like Professor John Biggs and Dr. Catherine Tang. Their contributions add a rich layer of credibility and depth to the learning experience. 5. **What pedagogical options can we find from successful examples? – An instructional toolbox**: Participants will have access to diverse instructional examples across disciplines, encouraging them to design tailored courses that align with their teaching style and subject matter. 6. **How to design effective assessment?**: Assessment is a critical component of education, and this module lays down important principles and practices for creating assessments that truly enhance student learning. 7. **How to provide constructive and high-impact feedback?**: Feedback is vital for student growth. This module offers practical strategies to deliver constructive and impactful feedback, addressing common concerns among educators to ensure feedback sessions are effective and manageable. #### Why You Should Enroll 1. **Research-Based Insights**: This course is grounded in research that is pragmatic and applicable in real-world situations. The evidence-driven approach helps educators understand not just what works, but why it works. 2. **Expert Contributions**: With insights from accomplished educators and award winners, learners benefit from the wisdom that has been cultivated through extensive teaching experiences. 3. **Practical Application**: The course emphasizes not just theoretical knowledge but practical teaching strategies that can be applied immediately, making you a more effective educator. 4. **Diverse Learning Tools**: The availability of various case studies and real-world examples fosters creativity in course design, ensuring that participants leave with a comprehensive toolbox to enhance their instructional practices. 5. **Supportive Community**: Engaging with fellow learners and instructors provides an enriching experience that can enhance your personal and professional growth within the education sector. #### Final Recommendation If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact in university education, the "University Teaching" course on Coursera is an invaluable resource. Whether you're new to teaching or an experienced instructor seeking to refresh your approach, this course offers insights and strategies that can transform your teaching practices. Its commitment to fostering effective learning environments, backed by credible research and expert guidance, makes it a must-take for anyone serious about academic teaching. Don’t miss this chance to empower your teaching journey!

Syllabus

Course Introduction

This module focuses on a wider scope of what it is like teaching in higher education, such as, what responsibilities are involved, where challenges and opportunities might occur, and how experienced academics approach their teaching development, to help you to think about your teaching role in a broader context.

This module focuses on a selection of established research evidence on effective university teaching in higher education for you to learn what works, what doesn’t, what helps, and what hinders. No overwhelming literature review. These are only selected essentials.

This is a practical module where you will be introduced to some key ideas you can immediately apply in your instructional design. You will also hear directly from the founders of one of the concepts in this module, Professor John Biggs and Dr. Catherine Tang.

Module 4 presents a range of real instructional examples from different disciplines, hoping to inspire you to design your own course. Depending on your interest and discipline, you are invited to choose three (or more) examples to watch. For almost every example, there are one or two readings for those who are interested in exploring more.

This module will provide you with some principles and practical examples for designing assessment that is effective and enhances students’ learning. It will introduce the purpose of different types of assessment, the design principles, and a number of exemplary practices.

This module will offer advice and strategies on providing constructive and high-impact feedback to students. We will show examples supported by evidence and theories. We will also look at some common concerns among teachers on giving feedback and discuss possible solutions to make feedback manageable and sustainable.