Professional development of teaching is supported within departments in a variety of ways, such as with a departmental mentor as part of the induction process for new staff, and departmental peer observation of teaching schemes involving all staff who teach.

OED provides accredited teaching development programmes and professional development activities for academic staff , postgraduate teaching assistants, part-time staff and other staff who support student learning . These support HE teachers in the development of their teaching skills and ideas, and increase their understanding of teaching and learning issues, such as course design, enhancing student learning, and effective assessment. The programmes examine what is known about how students learn, and explore the implications for teaching practices within a university context. Participants review and critically evaluate their on-going experiences, reflecting on the HE learning experience as both teacher and learner. Ideas and approaches are shared and developed with peers from across the university in a cross-curricular community of practice.

The postgraduate accredited programme for staff is called the Certificate in Academic Practice (CAP) .  There are also additional modules which CAP graduates can take to achieve a Diploma in Academic Practice (DAP).

The accredited programme for postgraduates who teach (GTAs), part-time staff and other staff who support student learning is the Supporting Learning Programme .  Non-accredited options are the Survival Skills day and the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshop series .

For those new to the UK HE system this website is a helpful starting point http://www.internationalstaff.ac.uk/education_in_the_uk.php

If you already have experience as a teacher in HE, but would prefer an independent route to recognition for your work, the Higher Education Academy (the national body for teaching and learning in UK HE) have a process whereby you can be recognised on the basis of your experience.  This is either as an Associate or a Fellow of the HE Academy.

Enquiries about the CELT provision can be addressed to:

Helen Ratcliffe on 01524 592137

OED@lancaster.ac.uk