Foundations of University Teaching Excellence

1) Laboratory
a week-long course / 27,5 hours

A laboratory is “a space devoted to professional experimentation, research and development, expert analysis, and instruction in many areas of human activity”. Our Laboratory fits this description and includes:

• interactive elaboration of theories from the fields of pedagogy, didactics and psychology,
• reflection on one's own teaching,
• active search for ways to implement the theory in one's own teaching,
• elaboration of one's own pedagogical development goal for the work in the Foundations,
• sharing best practices and experience and building collegial collaboration across disciplines.

Our study materials serve as support, providing foundational knowledge and space for further development. We also have an e-learning environment with study materials, development tasks, and a space for sharing experiences.

The content of the Laboratory is based on the latest findings in educational and psychological research. The topics of each day are as follows:

• Monday: university teachers and the quality of teaching at the university,
• Tuesday: preparation of the lesson with a focus on formulating learning objectives,
• Wednesday: communication with learners with regard to dialogic teaching,
• Thursday: formative assessment of the learning process and outcomes,
• Friday: reflective teaching as a means for intensive learning.

2) Ateliers
three workshops / during the semester / 12 hours

Ateliers are “spaces where artists create”. Our ateliers also contribute to the creation of small works of art – lessons. We run three ateliers during the semester, which include group reflection on lessons and a topic chosen by the participants themselves, depending on their needs and wishes. The aim is the continuous deepening of knowledge and skills, so that there is a gradual improvement in teaching, accompanied by collegial and professional support.

3) Studio
individual activity / during the semester / approx. 10 hours

A studio is “a space where one arranges and composes figures or objects for audiovisual production.” It is this kind of small studio that will emerge in each participant's classroom through video reflection on a lesson, which specifically supports development in an area they themselves consider important, all underpinned by evidence. Participants will be tasked with planning, delivering and reflecting on a lesson, using the knowledge and experience gained in the Foundations. A recording of the lesson is made, which serves as the basis for a conversation between the participant and the tutor centred around a pedagogical development goal.

4) Gallery
final workshop / after the end of the semester / 5,5 hours

A gallery is “a space for the exhibition and presentation of works of art.” In our case, it is the final reflection session of the entire educational program, where we look back together on what the participants have learned. We also meet to determine the next steps in each individual’s professional development.