Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
The course aims to give participants the opportunity to develop as an academic teacher in a Swedish higher education context, by introducing foundational pedagogical concepts and approaches. Participants will have the opportunity to develop a teaching activity for an existing or future teaching assignment.
Description
This course provides an essential foundation in pedagogical principles and practices within the Swedish higher education context, catering to teachers across all academic levels at all faculties of Lund University. The course develops participants’ pedagogical competence through exploring our understanding of how learning works as well as the foundational elements of course design, including intended learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities, and assessment. Participants will also be prompted to consider their role as a teacher.
The course is held in various formats (e.g. online, blended, classroom) in both English & Swedish. All formats provide the same qualifications as part of the compulsory qualifying teacher training for educators at Lund University.
Iterations
Introduction to Teaching and Learning (Online)
This course takes place completely online, with a few Zoom meetings, allowing participants the flexibility to participate and progress through the course from anywhere.
The next iteration offered in English is Spring 2025.
Scope & Assessment
The course is equivalent to two weeks of pedagogical training, amounting to 80 hours of full-time work. To receive a certificate, course participants shall demonstrate achievement of the intended learning outcomes by:
- Completing all exercises.
- Participating in discussions.
- Submitting an individual course project that meets the assessment criteria.
- Attending at least 80% of classroom or online activities.
If a participant does not complete a course within the specified time, all course components must be submitted within three years of commencement in order to receive a course certificate. For doctoral students wishing to receive course credits, you do so through your PhD administrator at your department of faculty, with permission from your supervisor.
To receive a course certificate, the participant shall demonstrate an ability to:
- Discuss and problematise student learning in the context of a higher education teaching and learning activity, using relevant theories and research;
- Analyse a teaching and assessment practice and, subsequently, design a teaching and learning activity, focusing on student learning;
- Apply relevant national and local rules, including those for equal opportunities, in the participant’s own teaching;
- Reflect on the role of the academic teacher and the significance of professionalism in relation to the participant’s own teaching practice and students;
- Discuss experiences from education and teaching using well-grounded arguments.
There is no requirement for previous pedagogical training.
The selected course book is How Learning Works by Lovett et al. (2023).
Available as an e-book via Lund University Libraries – lub.lu.se
A physical copy will be mailed to the participant's service point at least one week prior to the start of the course. A list of literature is provided at least eight weeks prior to the start of the course; all other literature is accessible on Canvas. Participants are also asked to find relevant literature for their individual projects.
Who is this course for?
The course serves as an introduction to learning and teaching in higher education for teachers at all academic levels – from PhD students to professors – with no formal training in this area.
This introduction course is suitable for anyone:
- Who wishes to develop their pedagogical practice.
- Who wishes to develop their capacity to reflect on their teaching practice, teaching context, and teacher identity.
- Who wishes to become acquainted with core theory and research on teaching and learning in higher education and consider how it can be implemented in their own context.
- Who wishes an orientation about rules and regulations in Swedish higher education.
- Who wishes to qualify for a teaching position at Lund University.
Progression
The course ‘Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education’ is offered by the Division for Higher Education Development (AHU) as the first course of two, which together comprise the five weeks of compulsory qualified teacher training for a teaching position at Lund University. Course participants completing this course shall continue with our 'Continuation Course'.
Read more about the Continuation Course – ahu.lu.se
Read more about our course offerings – ahu.lu.se
Generally, completion of the 'Introduction Course' is an entry requirement for future courses offered by AHU.