The Educational Development Unit (EDU) is a core part of XJTLU’s Academy of Future Education. As a department driven by the notion that learning and learners matter, EDU is also the University’s primary networking platform.

EDU mainly supports research-based teaching for teachers throughout their careers with programmes and activities such as Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education (PGCert), communities of practice, and continuing professional development.

CORE AIMS

• Support teachers’ professional development;
• Support academic departments by facilitating the enhancement of learning and teaching, curriculum design, and pedagogical research activities;
• Encourage innovative pedagogical practice and confidence, and facilitate dissemination of good practice through various engagements and initiatives in learning and teaching;
• Support educational leadership across the University and at transnational universities.

WHAT DOES EDU OFFER?

• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Supporting Learning in Higher Education (PGCert) and Higher Education Academy Fellowship
• Postgraduate Research Skills Development Programme (PGRSDP)
• Academic induction
• Continuing professional development
• Pedagogical support
• Programme leadership
• Curriculum design
• Educational technology pedagogical development
• Lifelong learning
• Communities of practice
• Peer observation training and support
• Bespoke professional development workshops (departmental level)
• Academic advisor training
• Postgraduate Research skills development
• Supervisor training and support
• Teaching assistant training
• Disciplinary expertise
• Annual colloquium
• Drafting University Policy related to staff professional development
• Assessment support
• Covid/crisis response
• Recognition of Teaching through certificates and awards
• Staff pastoral care
• Networking
• Academic quality assurance
• Virtual learning environment (VLE) resources
• Blended learning
• Promote the idea of Students as partners in learning and teaching
• Teaching Development Fund
• Pedagogical research and publishing

UK PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FRAMEWORK

EDU uses the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF). Our PGCert programme is also accredited to award graduates with the Higher Education Academy Fellowship.

EDU LOVES LEARNING AND TEACHING

Confucius said: “Gaining knowledge silently, learning without tiring, and teaching without being wearied – which one of these things belongs to me?” (Original Chinese: 子曰：默而识之，学而不厌，诲人不倦，何有于我哉?)