Accessibility statement

Introduction to Teaching and Learning

The Academic Practice Team welcomes postgraduate researchers, postdoctoral researchers and staff to enrol onto the Introduction to Teaching and Learning training. 

This seven-hour workshop provides an induction into Higher Education learning and teaching and into working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) at the University of York.

It aims to build your confidence to teach effectively as a GTA, offering a grounding for subsequent discipline-specific induction in your department. 

All new GTAs are required* to complete one Introduction to Teaching and Learning workshop, though all PGRs are welcome, space permitting. 

(Your SkillsForge record will show whether you’ve already completed this training.)

What does the training comprise?

The Introduction to Teaching and Learning training consists of:

 a four-hour advance self-study component:  to complete and submit in the two weeks before the workshop

plus

a two-hour workshop: an interactive workshop** with tasks and discussion

The training covers:

  • An overview of teaching and learning in the HE context
  • Planning and preparation 
  • Marking and assessment
  • Inclusivity and diversity issues 
  • Dealing with challenging teaching scenarios
  • Support and professional development opportunities for GTAs at York

Which workshop should you sign up for? 

There are three different Introduction to Teaching and Learning workshops; you should complete the one recommended by your department:

Workshop version

 Recommended by these departments

 

Facilitating seminars and discussion-based learning

Archaeology

Centre for Women’s Studies

Education

English and Related Literature

Environment and Geography#

Health Sciences

History

History of Art

Language and Linguistic Science

 

Philosophy

Politics 

Psychology

School of Arts and Creative Technologies

School for Business and Society

Sociology

York Law School 

Facilitating practical and laboratory demonstrations

Computer Science

Environment and Geography#

Hull York Medical School (HYMS)

School of Physics, Engineering and Technology

 

 

Facilitating problem-solving and problem-based learning

Economics and Related Studies

Mathematics

  

Biology: contact your GTA Coordinator

Chemistry: contact your GTA Coordinator

Dates for each workshop are listed here and on SkillsForge.

* Unless your departmental GTA Coordinator has secured exemption for you.     

** Some workshops are online for those who are unable to attend in person.

# Choose according to the focus of your teaching work: if supporting teaching in the social sciences the department recommends Facilitating Seminars, and if in the natural sciences then Facilitating Labs/Practicals. Contact your GTA Coordinator for any queries.

How to book

NOTE: Bookings close 2 weeks before each seminar: this is to ensure you have time to complete the self-study component beforehand. You'll receive access to this two weeks before the seminar date.

If you’re a PGR:

  1. Choose one workshop, as recommended by your department: see table above.
  2. Go to SkillsForge, search 'Academic Practice' or 'Graduate Teaching Assistants', and find the relevant Introduction to Teaching and Learning workshop. 
  3. Book a workshop: make sure you are available at that time and can complete the self-study in advance.

If you’re not a PGR (and don't have access to SkillsForge):

Check the workshop dates and seminar times; then book by completing the manual booking form.

If you can’t find a workshop available on a suitable date:

If you can’t see the workshop you'd like to attend, or can’t attend on the advertised dates, please complete this expression of interest form. If there is enough demand, extra workshop dates may be added; Academic Practice will contact you if so.

For any further questions, please contact the Academic Practice team: academic-practice@york.ac.uk