General Teaching Associates course

The General Teaching Associates (GTA) course is a 3-day offering for PhD students, Associate Lecturers, Technicians, Affiliates and others embarking on teaching and associated duties (e.g. leading seminar groups, taking laboratory sessions, delivering occasional lectures, and marking) and who wish to progress onto the EXPLORE scheme (leading to Associate Fellow / Fellow of AdvanceHE). 

The course provides initial knowledge and skills development to support learning and good practice in teaching in HE aligned to their context and introduces participants to the relevant activities, knowledge and professional values of the Professional Standards Framework (2023). Completing the course is mandatory for all research students who will be, or wish to be, involved in any teaching.

The course comprises three consecutive days (three hours per day), with the middle day delivered online so as to provide some flexibility whilst modelling effective face-to-face / online teaching and learning. The first day can also be delivered to attendees in a hybrid format on request.

The course learning outcomes are:

1. Describe a range of effective learning environments and techniques, and recognise the ways in which they are used/influence/facilitate learning.
2. Define the responsibilities and boundaries of your role in supporting teaching and learning.
3. Identify and apply the principles of effective, supportive feedback. 
4. Facilitate effective learning support activities.
5. Signpost students to appropriate support.

Upon completion of the course, participants will gain:

• A certificate
• Feedback on their teaching
• Ongoing support throughout the academic year via monthly bookable office hours with an OCAED Educational Developer.
• The opportunity to network with PhD students across the institution
• The course is ideal preparation for progression onto the EXPLORE scheme leading to Associate Fellow / Fellow of AdvanceHE. In particular, PGRs are advised to complete the GTA Course before applying for a place on the EXPLORE scheme.

For more information, please email: