Engaging postgraduates in teaching and learning - networking events

Tierney, Anne; Perkins, Joy; Shearer, Morven

Abstract

The role of postgraduates is increasingly important in undergraduate teaching. In the biosciences, this most commonly takes the form of graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in laboratory practicals, but GTAs may be called upon to take on a number of teaching responsibilities from tutorials to project supervision. As the role of the GTA becomes more complex, it is vital to offer comprehensive support. This may take the form of training within the individuals’ institution, or may
come from outside. In 2008, it was identified that there was very little contact or interaction between the Higher Education Academy UK Centre for Bioscience and postgraduates. As the Centre for Bioscience offers high quality advice and resources for staff involved in learning and teaching in Higher Education, it was proposed that this should be extended to include postgraduates involved in
teaching. A questionnaire was sent out to gauge interest, and in 2009/10 the first events were held in Glasgow and Manchester, followed in 2010/11 by events in Aberdeen, Belfast and Reading.
Based on the results of the questionnaire, and addressing the issues that are important to the GTAs themselves, the networking events aim to raise awareness of the help that is on offer to support GTAs in bioscience teaching. Interactive sessions include the identity of a teacher, small group and laboratory teaching, and assessment and feedback. The sessions offer a relaxed atmosphere in which GTAs from institutions in the local area can get together, network, and share experiences with one another.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (Published)
• Conference Name: Effective Learning in the Biosciences Conference: Equipping Students for the 21st Century
• Start Date: Jun 30, 2011
• End Date: Jul 1, 2011
• Acceptance Date: Jun 1, 2011
• Online Publication Date: Jun 1, 2011
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2011
• Deposit Date: Apr 16, 2019
• Publisher: Higher Education Academy
• Pages: 42
• Book Title: Proceedings of the Effective Learning in the Biosciences Conference
• ISBN: 9780956928825
• Keywords: Postgraduate, teaching, life sciences,
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1732753