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This program is no longer offered by the MacPherson Institute. Please find the current program details here. 

The Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching offers the Teaching and Learning Certificates of Completion Program for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Students and fellows may earn one, or both, of the following certificates of completion throughout their studies: 

Teaching and Learning Foundations Certificate of Completion

(1)  EDUCATN 600: Essential Skills in Teaching and Learning (I) 

Students select and complete six workshops from a list approved by the Paul R. MacPherson Institute on Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching. The workshops are focused on key foundational themes in teaching and learning in higher education. Students are also responsible for writing a series of reflections. 

[No prerequisites.] 

(2)  EDUCATN 650: Peer-Evaluated Teaching Experience  

This zero-unit graduate course is offered in a small group setting and is designed to enhance teaching effectiveness. During the course (full virtual attendance/completion of all components is mandatory to earn a pass), students design and conduct three lessons and receive verbal, written, and video feedback from other students. 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.   

[No prerequisites.] 

 

Teaching and Learning Scholar Certificate of Completion

The two Teaching and Learning Foundations Certificate of Completion courses (i.e., EDUCATN 600 and EDUCATN 650), PLUS… 

(1)  EDUCATN 700: Essential Skills in Teaching and Learning (II) 

Students select and complete six workshops from a list approved by the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching. The workshops are focused on key scholarly themes in teaching and learning in higher education. Students are also responsible for writing a series of reflections.  

[Prerequisite: EDUCATN 600]  

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

This course can be taken as a three-unit (EDUCATN 750) or zero-unit (EDUCATN 751) graduate level course. The focus is on honing essential pedagogical and practical teaching skills. This includes sessions on curriculum design, teaching strategies, assessment strategies, and developing a teaching portfolio.  

[No prerequisites.] 

(3)  EDUCATN 760: Self-Directed Study 

In this zero-unit graduate course, you will engage in a self-directed study on a higher-education topic of your choice from one of three streams: a research project, developing a workshop, or developing an online learning module. As you develop your project, you will receive feedback from your peers and the course instructor. At the end of the term, you will be expected to present your work and articulate a plan detailing how you will share your project with others.  

[Prerequisites: EDUCATN 600 and EDUCATN 650] 

Notes:  

  • Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows do not incur any fees for taking the courses.  
  • All of the courses are Pass/Fail and appear on graduate students’ transcripts.  
  • All of the courses are 0 unit with the exception of EDUCATN 750, which is 3 unit. Graduate students should ask their department/school whether they have permission to take the 3 unit version of the course (i.e., EDUCATN 750), and if so, whether the course will count towards their degree requirements.  
  • In addition to the EDUCATN 650 course counting towards the Teaching and Learning Foundations Certificate of Completion, it also earns individuals the internationally recognized “Instructional Skills Workshop” certificate.  

Graduate students can register for the courses through Mosaic. Postdoctoral fellows can register for them by emailing Emily Hynes (hynese@mcmaster.ca) and requesting that their name be added to a class list. Registration is first come, first served. Registration opens August 1, December 1, and April 1 for the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms respectively.