The first two recipients of the Course Design Certificate from the Center for Teaching and Learning are Jenny Alderden, associate professor in the School of Nursing and Kelly Sparhawk, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Radiology Sciences. These instructors have demonstrated their ability to implement intentional course design strategies, as well as enthusiasm and care for their students’ success, the center said.
The Center for Teaching and Learning is offering two new certificates for Boise State educators, focused on foundational skills in effective teaching.
What certificates are available?
- Course Design Certificate: Effective teaching is characterized by many different practices, one of which is intentional and inclusive course design. This certificate recognizes instructors who complete one of the center’s course design programs and then apply what they learned to the design of one of their courses.
- Reflective Teaching Practice Certificate: The Reflective Teaching Practice Certificate supports educators in becoming reflective practitioners. Reflective teaching involves collecting evidence about teaching and learning, thinking critically about that evidence to identify trends, considering possible explanations for those trends, and then making changes to one’s teaching in response to what has been learned. This certificate is designed to be completed over time, perhaps one or two academic years, so that educators have time to engage in the cycle of reflection.
How is completion of a certificate recognized?
- A certificate of completion signed by the Provost.
- A letter to the participant’s department chair letting them know of the accomplishment.
- Recognition at Center for Teaching and Learning events and/or newsletters.
- Completion of the certificate will be reported to Faculty 180.
How much time will this take?
- Completing a certificate is expected to take 30-40 hours, although how that time is spent will look different for each certificate.
- The Reflective Teaching Practice Certificate includes activities that are designed to be spread out over multiple semesters.
- The Course Design Certificate includes activities that can be completed in a shorter period of time, and therefore could be earned in the semester following the completion of a course design program.
For questions regarding the certificates, contact Megan Frary via email at MeganFrary@boisestate.edu.