Certificate Program in University Teaching and Learning

Goals

The program aims to:

• Provide participants with the knowledge, skills, positive attitude, and confidence to promote learning in their students 
• Integrate learning and instructional theory with an individual's knowledge of his or her subject, emphasizing a scholarly approach to teaching 
• Prepare program graduates to provide educational leadership in their academic endeavours 
• To foster effective teaching techniques and sophisticated curricular thought

Schedule

Sessions will be held each week for thirteen weeks, culminating with a graduation celebration.

Assignments

There are four types of assignments in this program:

1. Group presentations and reflection
2. Mentor reflection
3. A full-scale course design
   
4. A teaching philosophy statement

Participants are chosen from a broad range of backgrounds, representative of SFU's teaching community. All current SFU graduate students are encouraged to apply, although space is limited and preference will be given to students in doctoral programs. The following selection criteria will be considered:

• Membership in the SFU teaching community
• Quality of application and letter of intent
• Commitment to teaching and learning at SFU
• Relevant previous activities and experience
• Range of departments represented
• Gender balance

Prerequisites

As a foundation for success in the certificate program, completion of a three-day Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) will be required.

Cost

There is a program fee of $100, due upon acceptance into the program. There is no cost to apply.

The program is a step toward ongoing professional development and is designed for you to explore; develop skills; create your own artifacts for future use in teaching; and reflect on your beliefs and professional growth. The program integrates learning and instructional theory with your own experience and expectations, and encourages you to reflect on your individual teaching practice. You will also have an opportunity to begin a teaching portfolio, which is valuable when applying for teaching positions. The instructors are SFU staff and faculty members with varied backgrounds and experiences in teaching and learning.

Admission will be based on a combination of your commitment to teaching and learning, the quality of your application and letter of intent, related previous activities and experience, and diverse representation. All current SFU graduate students are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to students in doctoral programs.

Teaching experience is not necessary. In your letter of intent, you are encouraged to discuss your own teaching and relevant personal experience, what you hope to gain from the program, and what you plan to do with the experience and knowledge you build.

The program is offered to current SFU graduate students only.

Yes, international students currently enrolled in graduate studies at SFU are welcome to apply.

The program emphasizes learner-centred active-learning methods, and self-directed learning. You will need, on average, about the same number of hours as a three-credit course to participate in the program. The bulk of the program consists of three-hour sessions, which are held every week during the term. Minor assignments will be scheduled intermittently throughout the course, with assignment descriptions provided in-class and online. Major assignments of the program include mentor reflection, a full-scale course design, and a teaching philosophy statement. You must also complete the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) as a pre-requisite. This three-day workshop is typically offered during the Spring, Summer and Fall semester breaks. 

Everyone must complete the ISW before the first class of the program. This is a foundational workshop and the program will build on some of its themes. If you anticipate you will not be able to attend the ISW, we ask that you consider applying the following year. 

Anyone who has completed the three-day Instructional Skills Workshop within the past three years is welcome to participate in the ISW again, but this would not be required.

The program is offered twice a year, from January to April and again from September to December. This is a joint offering by the Dean of Graduate Studies Office and the Teaching and Learning Centre.

There are typically 25 students in each cohort.

There are no tuition fees for this program. There is a $100 confirmation fee (due upon acceptance).

This is a Senate-approved non-credit program; therefore, you will receive a notation on your SFU transcript and a Certificate of Completion. The Instructional Skills Workshop (pre-requisite) may also be applied as credit to the Provincial Instructor Diploma Program.