DEVELOPING POSTGRADUATE TEACHERS
Heather McKiggan-Fee, University of St Andrews
The Introduction to University Teaching modules at the University of St Andrews were designed specifically to support the professional development of postgraduate tutors and demonstrators who wished to pursue a career in academia. When the modules were first introduced in 2009-10, credit-bearing and externally accredited provision that was specifically targeted at postgraduate teachers was relatively unusual in the sector. The UK Professional Standards Framework( UKPSF) had been launched only a few years before, and the modules were designed with the UKPSF in mind and accredited at Descriptor 1.
Feedback from module participants indicates that the modules have helped change their teaching as well as helping them in job interviews for their first academic post.
A group discussion poster on UKPSF Value 3
“ It has allowed me to improve the quality of my feedback tremendously, in addition to giving me skills in module design.”
“... certainly helped me develop my teaching practice, and would imagine this would be case for any PGR.”
“ Getting the job was very exciting, and I am sure it helped that I told them in the interview that I could design my own module!”
“ I just thought I’ d give you some feedback on how helpful the Curriculum Design course has been. I’ ve recently been appointed as the Evening Degree coordinator for Social Anthropology... It was so useful that I’ d done my‘ fantasy’ module. Although this is not what I’ m teaching, learning how to put it all together- constructively aligned of course!- was absolutely invaluable.”
“ Just a quick email to say thank you again... the module I developed on the course has now been fully worked up and was approved by CAG this week. It will be delivered next year.”
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Celebrating 25 years of SHED