Teaching Toolkit
“Teaching has been described as a complex, cognitive ability that is not innate but can be both learned and improved upon” (Saroyan & Amundsen, 2001, p.344) |
This section is for those who want to brush up or refresh their knowledge of some basic but essential information, as well as for the novice lecturer. The information here is designed to be a taster, a brief introduction, to topics that can be developed in much greater detail. Resources in this section cover a myriad of issues including: |
Assessment
This provides a very brief introduction to assessment and associated topics such as learning outcomes, constructive alignment, and assessment methods, which are then developed more comprehensively in the Assessment section.
Planning & Structuring a Teaching Session
Resources in this section provide an introduction to lesson plans, constructive alignment, and structuring a teaching session.
Delivering a Lecture
Some tips on presentation skills are outlined to promote effective communication are outlined in this section.
Blackboard: Where to start?
This section contains a very basic introduction to Blackboard, the Virtual Learning Environment used in UCD, and includes tips for more effective use and links to the courses offered by IT services.
Understanding How Students Learn
Resources in this section provide an introduction to learning styles and an overview of psychological theories of learning and their application in the classroom (including behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism).
Gathering Feedback
Feedback on teaching can be gathered in a number of ways depending on how you intend to use the information. In addition to outlining these key distinctions, this section contains introductory resources on self-reflection, student evaluation of teaching, and peer observation.
Giving Effective Feedback
Feedback that provides constructive comments on strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for improvements has powerful positive benefits for student learning and achievement.
Autonomous Learning
Autonomous learning (or student–centred learning or flexible learning) relates to changing the focus in the classroom from the teacher to the student. This concept and its impact on learning is explored in this section.
Small Group Teaching Strategies
This section outlines effective strategies that can be applied to small groups of students.
Large Group Teaching Strategies
This section outlines effective strategies that can be applied to teaching larger groups of students and has useful resources on student engagement, assessment and technological methods for improving student engagement.
Peer Group Teaching Strategies
This section outlines the benefits and potential downfall of peer learning and provides useful resources on peer learning and case studies within UCD.
Note: Much of the information here is developed in greater detail in other sections of this website. Hyperlinks to these sections are included within the relevant resources.
