The Certificate Programme "Hochschuldidaktik"
The certificate programme "Hochschuldidaktik" consists of three modules that result in 160 work units (WU). It takes about one to one and a half year to complete the certificate programme. A new programme cycle starts at the beginning of each semester. The programme primarily addresses junior scientists with a teaching position at the University of Göttingen; more experienced lecturers are welcome as well. The certificate programme is usually conducted in German. If you are interested in participating at this programme please don't hesitate to contact us: hochschuldidaktik@zvw.uni-goettingen.de. Furthermore, you are welcome to have a look at our open workshop programme in which we offer some english workshops regulary.
The objectives of the programme are to introduce and critically reflect central ideas and methods of teaching and learning in higher education, to support the participants to develop their teaching skills further and to facilitate the transfer between theory and real life.
Within the certificate programme, we work in interdisciplinary groups of no more than 12 people and in various settings (e.g. workshops, collegial sit-ins). The groups pass the certificate programme together.
Description of the modules
- Module 1: During the first module (54 work units) the participants are being introduced to basic theories and concepts of academic (and adult) teaching and learning. Based on these, each participant (re)evaluates her or his understanding of learning in higher education and critically reflects the teaching philosophy that evokes this understanding. Additionally, the participants get to know, experience, and reflect ways to facilitate (academic) learning (esp. methods to engage students and ways to communicate & present during lectures and seminars).
- Module 2: In the second module (54 work units) the participants expand and refine their knowledge on academic teaching and learning. Based on the topics and action of the first module, here the participants acquire competencies on assessing and consulting students. Furthermore, each person may choose one additional workshop based on her or his own interest and needs. Since this module also fosters the connection between the certificate program and the real teaching experiences, it includes a collegial sitting-in as well as critical friend meetings to discuss challenges faced during the teaching semester.
- Module 3: While the first two modules are being organized as group- and situation-oriented trainings, the third module (32 work units) focusses on the individual transfer. This includes the reflection on one's own teaching believes and teaching practices and its documentation in form of a teaching portfolio.
Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Certificate (160 WU)
The participation fee for the Certificate Programme "Hochschuldidaktik" is 600 euros.
Clicking on a programme element field opens a window with additional information.
Modul 1: Basics of teaching and learning (68 WU)
Subject area A: Teaching and learning (40 WU) Subject area B: Planning and implementation (16 WU) Subject area C: Presenting and communicating (12 WU)Module 2: Topic-specific extension (42 WU)
Subject area D: Testing and evaluation (14 WU) Subject area E: Advice and conflict resolution (12 WU) Optional workshops for individual profile development (16 WU)Modul 3: Individual transfer to everyday teaching (50 WU)
Collegial practice discussions (8 WU) Collegial observation (10 WU) Creation of a teaching portfolio (32 WU)Clicking on a programme element field opens a window with additional information.
The Certificate Programme "Hochschuldidaktik PLUS" is designed for graduates of the Certificate Programme "Hochschuldidaktik" who wish to systematically and individually expand their acquired knowledge and teaching skills. The extension is specifically designed to promote innovation in teaching practice through a targeted teaching project, including its documentation and critical reflection in a project report. You can begin this extension at a time of your choice. The Certificate Programme "Hochschuldidaktik PLUS" is recognized as Landeszertifikat Hochschullehre Niedersachsen (State Certificate of Higher Education Teaching in Lower Saxony). If you are interested, please contact matthias.wiemer@zvw.uni-goettingen.de.
Certificate Programme "Hochschuldidaktik PLUS" (80 work units)
The participation fee for the Certificate Programme "Hochschuldidaktik PLUS" is 250 euros.
Clicking on a programme element field opens a window with additional information.
Clicking on a programme element field opens a window with additional information.
Module descriptions
Module 1: Fundamentals of teaching and learning (68 WU)Module 2: Topic-specific extension (42 WU)
Module 3: Transfer to everyday teaching (50 WU)
Module 4: Advanced module (80 WU)
General information
- Workshop facilitators: All workshops in the certificate program are conducted by members of the team Hochschuldidaktik in a variety of tandem teaching formats.
- Requirements for Participation: Participation in the kick-off session and the "Teaching and Learning 1" workshop is a prerequisite for admission to the program. If you are unable to attend one of the workshops from areas B, C, D, or E due to scheduling conflicts, you may substitute it with a similar workshop from our open workshop program after consulting with the team Hochschuldidaktik.
- Scope: Each component is specified in work units (WU), where one WU is equivalent to 45 minutes. Please note that workshops usually consist of a combination of contact time (either face-to-face or online) and phases of self-study, undertaken individually or in subgroups. Self-study phases may also be scheduled prior to the workshop.
- Teaching: In order to participate in the certificate programme, you must be actively involved in teaching during at least one of the two programme semesters. This is not only because one element of the programme is the reciprocal peer observation (see above), but also because the workshops – and in particular the assignments during the self-study phases – are always based on your current teaching practice.
- The programme must be completed within six years. The deadline is the first day of the relevant semester. For example, participants who started the programme in the winter term 2022/2023 must complete it by 1 October 2028.