Teaching Development

Pedagogy Course

To gain further insight into educational theory and practice, I took a pedagogy course. Spanning 120 hours over two weeklong meetings, supplemented by online sessions and assignments, the course was intensive and comprehensive.

This course equipped me with essential skills in designing aligned learning activities and assessments, refining course designs, and reflecting critically on teaching practice. I've learned to employ active learning strategies, create student-centered environments, and utilize varied assessments that provide constructive feedback and align with learning goals. 

One very important aspect I took away from this course is the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments that reduce barriers and promote equity in education.

Supervision Course

In preparation for my first PhD student, I took a course on university level supervision. I completed a university-level supervision course totaling 15 hours. The course included engaging in discussions, studying background literature, and completing assignments like a supervision statement.

During this course, I gained insights from other supervisors' experiences and learned to anticipate and prevent conflicts by clearly discussing expectations between the student and supervisor. My key takeaway was the importance of establishing mutual expectations to ensure a productive and collaborative relationship between both parties.

The Learning Forum

The Learning Forum is an annual event at the University Centre in Svalbard, gathering staff and students to enhance their educational and pedagogical skills. I have attended The Learning Forum consistently for the last 7 years. I have held two sharing sessions during the forum, one on student motivation and engagement and another presenting the use of escape rooms in teaching.

Participating in the Learning Forum and engaging in discussions with other educators has been immensely beneficial. I've gained new insights into effective teaching methods and research-based education, learned innovative strategies for course design, and enhanced my understanding of aligning educational practices with learning objectives. These interactions have also provided fresh perspectives and ideas for fostering student engagement and improving the overall quality of education. The collaborative environment has reinforced the importance of continual learning and adaptation in teaching.