CPS Visit
(XJTLU, China – 29th January, 2010) Dr. Patrick Doherty, Director of Studies for the Certificate in Professional Studies (CPS) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education at the University of Liverpool, has completed one week of training with Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) academic staff.
The CPS updates academic staff on the latest learning and teaching techniques, and provides a platform for staff to share teaching experiences. During the visit Dr. Doherty, who works in the University of Liverpool (UoL) Centre for Lifelong Learning, ran workshops, assessed presentations, and conducted one to one interviews with staff members currently enrolled on the course.
He said; “It’s not just about getting a certificate in CPS; it’s about a professional development approach to your role as a teacher, and it can see huge benefits.”
The CPS at XJTLU contains four modules: Learning and Teaching in Higher Education; Quality assurance and student support in Higher Education(for students outside the UK); .Assessment in Higher Education; and Reflective Practice in Learning and Teaching. The course is assessed through individual coursework and group presentation.
Dr. Zou Bin, English Language Centre (ELC) tutor and Team Leader for the Year 2 Business stream, said; “It is good to go through teaching and learning theories, discuss teaching strategies, review your own teaching, etc. Peer review sessions can help me receive positive feedback from colleagues. The CPS helps me reflect on and integrate appropriate theories into my teaching.”
A number of sessions, workshops and seminars are conducted throughout the year, including two annual visits by UoL staff. Potential benefits from completing the course include eligibility for work in the UK, and enabling staff to apply for Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Cindy Robertson, ELC tutor and Team Leader for the Year 1 Engineering stream, added; “From attending the workshops I could see that current research is revealing most traditional teaching methods to be counterproductive and to inhibit learning. For me the glory of teachers is the progress in learning that their students achieve. I could see that the CPS course would equip me with a deeper view of teaching and give me effective tools for reaching my students.”
Dr. Doherty also visited a number of companies in the Suzhou Industrial Park to gather feedback regarding current UoL student interns, and to assess new companies suitability for offering future placements.
