Trinity College’s New Programme for Teaching at Third Level

Posted on: 12 July 2006

Trinity College’s commitment to supporting postgraduates teaching at third level was highlighted at the presentation earlier this summer of certificates to postgraduate participants who completed the inaugural programme ‘Introduction to Teaching at Third Level’. The programme was designed and delivered by the Centre for Academic Practice and Student Learning (CAPSL). The Dean of Graduate Studies, Professor Patrick Prendergast, presented the certificates of successful completion to the participating postgraduates on June 28th last.

During the programme, participants engaged with both the theory and practice of teaching and supporting learning at third level.  Topics included small group teaching and lecturing, assessment and e-learning. At the end of the programme, participants produced a Reflective Teaching Portfolio in which they presented a teaching philosophy statement and two evaluative reviews of teaching experiences.  The participants came from a variety of disciplines and were supported by mentors from within their Schools. The multi-disciplinary group dynamics created opportunities to share and reflect on disciplinary approaches to teaching.

The feedback from the participants of the inaugural programme and their mentors is currently being evaluated by CAPSL. This feedback, along with a review of practices in other universities as well as collaboration with national and international partners, will be used to develop a comprehensive framework of support and training for all postgraduate students that teach in Trinity College.