The Learning about Learning pathway provides a detailed pedagogical study of learning and teaching, as well as practical support to develop teaching skills. It is designed for colleagues who have a limited role in teaching and learning.

Learning about Learning is delivered online, through a blend of live and asynchronous sessions, and collaborative activity. It is centred on reflective professional practice. In addition to 10 hours of focused study time, participants are expected to be undertaking 5 hours of teaching each week. This professional practice will directly inform their learning on the Course.

The Learning about Learning pathway is aligned with the UK Professional Standards Framework for Higher Education. Successful completion of the Learning about Learning pathway leads to Associate Fellowship of AdvanceHE.

The Learning about Learning pathway replaced the previous LEADS programme in September 2020.

The Learning About Learning pathway is designed for staff who require pedagogic knowledge of learning and teaching and who can commit to formal study. It is intended for staff for whom teaching and learning is a limited part of their work.

Teaching includes (but is not limited to) design and delivery of live sessions (e.g. seminars/webinars, tutorials, lectures, studio or lab sessions); design of learning resources and activities; assessment design, marking and feedback; provision of support for learning (e.g. demonstrating, tutoring, field trip support, tutorial and seminar support, library and skills support, learning technologist support); dissertation or project support and supervision; course and programme design, and course and programme leadership.

We expect that staff undertaking Learning About Learning might be in the following categories:

1. Early career researchers with some teaching responsibilities (e.g. PhD students, GTAs, contract researchers/post-doctoral researchers etc.).
2. Staff new to teaching (including those with part-time academic responsibilities).
3. Staff who support academic provision (e.g. learning technologists, learning developers and learning resource/library staff).
4. Staff who undertake demonstrator/technician roles that incorporate some teaching-related responsibilities.
5. Experienced staff in relevant professional areas who may be new to teaching and/or supporting learning, or who have a limited teaching portfolio.

These align with Descriptor 1 of the UK Professional Standards Framework to enable us to maintain accreditation of the pathway at Associate Fellowship level.

Entry criteria:

For entry to the Learning About Learning Pathway you must meet both the minimum previous experience and the minimum current teaching requirements.

1. Minimum of 30-40 hours FTE teaching experience in any HEI working at Descriptor 1 of the UKPSF prior to starting the course.
   Your previous experience could include: tutoring, demonstrating, supporting teaching and learning, mentoring others in education etc. This previous teaching experience will enable you to understand the theory and practice discussed in the course.
   AND
2. Minimum of 5 hours per week teaching responsibilities, commensurate with Descriptor 1 of the UKPSF, for the full duration of the course (1 semester). This requirement reflects that this is a practice-based course.

If you do not yet have agreed current teaching responsibilities but are likely to do so or if your teaching responsibilities are grouped rather than weekly, please get in touch with the Learning About Learning team to discuss whether the pathway is right for you at this time.

Register your interest and apply

To find out more and apply

Further information about Learning About Learning, and the application form for the 2023/24 pathway, are on the LTA Sharepoint site (access restricted to Heriot-Watt University staff).

Whilst you wait for the next presentation

If you are waiting for the next presentation of the Learning about Learning pathway we recommend:

1. Reading ‘In At The Deep End’,
2. Participating in the Talking Teaching Network, and
3. Attending relevant LTA events.