A practical introduction to teaching is an optional theme course and is very useful for academic staff who not yet have required much experience in teaching at university level.
A practical introduction to teaching is a hands-on, practical introduction to teaching in higher education. The course will demonstrate and let you practice student-oriented ways of lecturing and holding seminars, labs or tutorials. It will also give practical advice on dealing with challenging situations in the classroom and disruptive students, and give you guidance on using digital tools in your teaching and assessment with the student's learning in focus. The course is aimed at colleagues new to teaching in higher education, but more experienced teachers looking for inspiration and new ideas are also welcome to apply.
80 h corresponding to 2 weeks full-time studies or 3 credits (högskolepoäng). The next occasion for the course will be spring semester 2021. The course will be run in English.
In order to be eligible you need a complete academic degree of at least bachelor's level. Applicants are offered a place on the course on a first-come, first-served basis provided a complete application has been submitted which the applicant’s head or director has approved. Note that the application may close before the deadline if the course fills up. In case of too few applicants the course may be cancelled.
A practical introduction to teaching
Qualifying course for teachers in higher education, 2 weeks (Praktisk pedagogik för nya lärare)
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Örebro University’s programme of courses on learning and teaching in higher education has been developed in accordance with the recommendations by the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF) with respect to the extent, goals and entry requirements for qualifying courses for teachers in higher education. These were approved on 14 April 2016, among other things to facilitate mutual recognition of courses between universities. At Örebro University these courses are offered as staff development training.
On A practical introduction to teaching, participants are working with the following of SUHF’s recommended learning outcomes for qualifying courses for teachers in higher education:
Participants should
be able to discuss and problematise students’ learning within their own subject area based on educational and/or subject-specific research relevant to teaching at university,
independently, and together with others, be able to plan, carry out and evaluate teaching and examination on a scientific or artistic basis within their own subject area,
be able to meet students in an inclusive manner and have knowledge of regulations and support for students with disabilities, and
show a reflected approach to one’s own academic teaching, one’s relationship with the students and the values of higher education, such as democracy, internationalisation, gender equality, equal treatment and sustainability.
2 ABOUT THE COURSE
A practical introduction to teaching equates 80 hours of work, i.e. one week of full-time study, and was approved by the Director of the Centre for Academic Development on 24 June 2019.
2.1 Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, participants should be able to
design and lead student-oriented teaching activities, and
critically reflect on colleagues’ teaching activities from a student-centred perspective.
2.2 Course description
A practical introduction to teaching demonstrates and lets you practice studentoriented ways of lecturing and holding seminars, labs or tutorials. It also offers practical advice on dealing with challenging situations in the classroom and disruptive students, and gives you guidance on using digital tools in your teaching and assessment with students’ learning in focus. The course is aimed at colleagues new to teaching in higher education, but more experienced teachers looking for inspiration and new ideas are also welcome to apply.
2.3 Modes of study
This course will use presentations, seminars, group discussions and workshops as modes of study. The teaching will take place in both larger and smaller groups. Course material and information about the course will be posted on Örebro University’s learning platform.
2.4 Mandatory attendance
As the collegial exchange of experiences and knowledge is an important element of the course, participation in all scheduled teaching is compulsory. If prevented from attending a scheduled sessions, the participant should contact the course convenor to discuss how to make up for the missed session. At an attendance rate lower than 80%, the participant needs to retake the course.
2.5 Assessment
The course will be assessed by a practical teaching activity, structured feedback on a colleague’s teaching and a written plan of a teaching activity.
A practical introduction to teaching is assessed using the grades U (Fail) and G (Pass). In case of a failed result, the participant is entitled to re-assessment for up to two years after the time for the ordinary assessment.
2.6 Reading list
There is no compulsory reading for this course. Suggestions for optional reading will be posted on the course site on the learning platform.
2.7 Course certificate
A certificate will be issued on completion of the course.
3 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A university degree.
4 GOALS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITH WHICH THE COURSE ENGAGES
The course may be offered digitally or on site on campus, depending on the situation with Covid-19 during the spring of 2020.
Course dates for the spring semester 2021
2th of February, 09:15-16:00 3th of February, 09:15-16:00 18th of February, 09:15-16:00 23th of February,13.15–16.00 24th of February,13.15–16.00 26th of February, 09.15–16.00
The course is funded centrally for employees at Örebro University. Cancellation after the deadline for applications, without special circumstances, will incur an administrative fee of 2000 SEK.
For external applicants the course fee is 4000 SEK (ex VAT) for the whole course. The same cancellation rules apply for external applicants.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, feel free to contact us at
Course convenor Daniel Drugge can answer question regarding course content Direct: 019-30 39 73, email:
For questions regarding practical issues such as the application, location, invoicing, please contact Anna Asplund at or telephone 019-30 37 84.
The application form is open 13 October - 15 January at the latest.
