Introduction to Teaching and Learning (ITL)

This module is designed to help you develop your knowledge and skills in teaching, learning and giving feedback
Introduction to Teaching and Learning (ITL)

The Introduction to Teaching and Learning (ITL) module aims to critically engage participants with the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) and a range of approaches to teaching and learning informed by underpinning pedagogic research. They will critique their own practice in relation to the literature and develop an effective ‘tool kit’ to assist them in their support of learners.

There are two versions of the Introduction to Teaching and Learning (ITL) module: they both have exactly the same taught element. 

Route 1: Professional Development in Academic Practice: PDAP711 ITL
A stand-alone / professional development module offering 20 credits at M level and Associate Fellowship of the HEA.

Route 2: Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice: PGCAP711 ITL
The ITL is the first 20 credit, M level module of the 60 credit PGCAP programme. This leads into the full PGCAP programme which, on completion, offers 60 credits at M level, the PGCAP qualification, and Fellowship of the HEA.

Please note: Contracts for new staff state which route the new staff member will undertake. Direct applicants should check eligibility criteria before making their application.

Postgraduate Teaching: a Bibliography and policy for postgraduate research students who teach.

Essentials

Eligibility: Contracts for new staff state which route the new staff member will undertake. Direct applicants should determine which version of the ITL (listed above) is most relevant by self-assessing against the following eligibility criteria.

PDAP711: Minimum of 15 hours engagement in teaching, learning and assessment related activity. These 15 hours should account for a minimum of five hours between the start and assessment submission date for the module. The additional hours must have taken place within the last 12 months.

PGCAP711: Minimum of 15 hours engagement in teaching, learning and assessment related activity between the start and assessment submission date for the module.

Pre-requisites: Applicants need to be ready to study a masters level programme.

Timetable: The ITL consists of roughly 15 hours spent ‘in practice’, 40 hours directly participating in the taught components of the programme, and 145 hours spent on preparatory tasks, private study, programme-related activities and pedagogic research. Please download the schedule below and ensure that the taught sessions are prioritised in your diary.

PGCAP schedule of taught elements 2018–2020 (PDF)

Accreditation: The ITL is validated by the University of Plymouth and accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA). On successful completion of the PDAP711 module participants will be eligible to become an Associate Fellow of the HEA.

Find out more about the PGCAP programme (University of Plymouth log in required).

APL: Accredited Prior Learning (APL) applications will be considered. Please see the guidance documents below for APL eligibility and process.

Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) guidance
Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) guidance

Contact us at pgcap@plymouth.ac.uk.



Feedback from participants on the predecessor module

"I've learned a number of specific learning/teaching methods that I've already begun to apply to my own modules … this has been very valuable."
(Participant, 2012)

"Meeting other people at a similar stage of their teaching careers has been great."
(Participant, 2012)

"The small teaching sessions by the people on the course were fun and interesting."
(Participant, 2012)

"This module is alive and very learner owned. Participants were unanimously supportive of this module."
(External Examiner, 2012).


How we used feedback to design the new ITL module

Participants told us:

  • Credit from GTA can’t be used in PGCAP – this is frustrating
  • The micro-teach activity is crucial; there are too many different reading lists
  • Contract start dates differ, and conferences and field-trips sometimes clash with the module dates

The new ITL module:

  • Is masters level. Eligible applicants can go straight on into the full PGCAP
  • Includes the micro-teach activity and a few other favourites, plus a bucket full of new ideas

  • Is offered several times across the year to enable full participation

Listening to your feedback

2013/14

You said:

  • There are multiple reading lists, it’s not clear where to start.
  • Credit from GTA can’t be used in PGCAP – this is frustrating.

 We did:

  • Switched entirely to online reading lists and have indicated which texts are essential, recommended and optional.
  • Re-designed programme for 2015/16 aligning courses and streamlining progression.

2012/13

You said:

  • The micro-teach activity is crucial. Can we have it in an afternoon slot?

We did:

  • Micro-teach included in core programme and moved to an afternoon session.

2011/12 

You said:

  • OVC asked us to deliver the PGCAP outside term time, in intensive bursts, from 2012/13 onwards.
  • Contract start dates differ, and conferences and field-trips sometimes clash with PGCAP.

We did:

  • Rescheduled the delivery and reformatted the tasks and activities to work in intensive bursts.
  • New schedule includes three entry points so that participants can fulfil 100 per cent attendance.

2010/11

You said:

  • Need a bit more help with writing.

We did:

  • Developed a range of writing activities and peer feedback opportunities.