EDUCATN 640: Essential Theory in Teaching and Learning

In this zero-unit graduate course, educators select and complete six asynchronous online workshops from a list approved by the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching. The workshops are focused on foundational knowledge in teaching and learning in higher education, including equity, accessibility, scholarly teaching, digital pedagogies and professional skills. Educators are responsible for producing a series of reflections. 

EDUCATN 740: Peer-Evaluated Teaching Experience
(Prerequisite: EDUCATN 640)

This zero-unit graduate course is offered in a small group setting and is designed to enhance teaching effectiveness. During the course (full attendance is mandatory to earn a pass), students design and conduct short lessons and receive verbal, written, and video feedback from the other students who have been learners in the lessons. Using an intensive experiential learning approach, students are provided with information on the theory and practice of teaching adult learners, the selection and writing of useful intended learning outcomes with accompanying lesson plans, techniques for eliciting learner participation, and suggestions for evaluation of learning. Reflection and examination of one’s teaching practices are encouraged.

EDUCATN 750/751: Principles and Practices of University Teaching
(Prerequisite: EDUCATN 640)

This course can be taken as a three-unit (EDUCATN 750) or zero-unit (EDUCATN 751) graduate level course and is designed to hone essential pedagogical and practical teaching skills. This course offers an intensive exploration of the theoretical background of curriculum design, teaching strategies, assessment strategies, and developing a teaching portfolio.

EDUCATN 760: Self-Directed Study
(Prerequisite: EDUCATN 640)

This zero-unit graduate course is designed to develop skills in research on teaching and learning. The course offers self-directed study on a higher education topic of choice from one of three streams: a research project, developing a workshop, or developing an online learning module.  The project receives peer and instructors’ feedback, and the project requires a plan for dissemination.

EDUCATN 770: Digital Literacies for Teaching and Learning
(Prerequisite: EDUCATN 640)

This zero-unit graduate course is a project-based course for educators in which they explore topics related to teaching and learning in the digital environment, such as digital pedagogy, virtual collaboration, professional learning networks, digital identity, privacy, web accessibility and more. Learners will create digital media artefacts speaking to digital fluency themes and learn basic skills in web design. Throughout the course, learners will create a web-based portfolio of work as shareable evidence of their learning.