Certificate in University Teaching Methods

The structured program begins once a year in April and runs for approximately one to one and a half years. Up to 10 participants take part in a series of workshops as part of a fixed group. Accompanying the program are moderated discussion sessions on topics related to university teaching, known as “collegial practice discussions.” The program is supplemented by mutual visits and reflections on one’s own courses as part of collegial classroom observations. The program concludes with the development of individual teaching portfolios by the participants. In total, the basic qualification in university teaching comprises 140 work units (WU) of 45 minutes each. This corresponds to approximately 5 ECTS credits. Further information on the content and structure of the certificate program can be found below. 

The Certificate Program in Higher Education Pedagogy is conducted in cooperation with the Department of Higher Education Pedagogy at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen and, pursuant to the decision of the Accreditation Commission (akko) of the German Society for Higher Education Pedagogy e. V. (dghd) dated July 25, 2018, as meeting professional standards and has been included in the list of programs accredited by the dghd (Accreditation Certificate).

The ZHD covers the costs of the certificate program at Clausthal University of Technology for you.

Registration for the next certificate program is required.
A graphical overview of the modules can be found here.

Your ZHD Team

Program and Schedule

The basic training in university teaching is divided into three modules, each with associated self-study units as well as accompanying classroom observations and discussions.

Module 1: Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning

Module 1: Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning

Mit den Workshops:

  • Lehren und Lernen 1,2 und 3
  • Aktivierende Methoden
  • Selbstbewusstes Auftreten und Bühnenpräsenz
Module 2: Topic-specific Expansion

Module 2: Topic-specific Expansion

With the workshops:

  • Facilitating conversations with students
  • Assessment
  • Elective specialization from the open program
Module 3: Applying What You've Learned in Everyday Teaching

Module 3: Applying What You've Learned in Everyday Teaching

By compiling a comprehensive personal teaching portfolio

Reflection and peer exchange

Reflection and peer exchange

Supported by the formats:

  • peer observation
  • peer discussions on practice

Please note: To successfully complete the certificate program, active participation and regular attendance at the individual workshops are required. However, if you are unable to attend a few workshops, this is not a reason to withdraw from the program. The first workshop in the program is an exception. Participation in the first workshop is a prerequisite for completing the program.

The workshops in the certificate program are divided into the following competency areas

  • A – Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning,
  • B - Planning and Implementation,
  • C - Presenting and communicating,
  • D - Assessment and evaluation,
  • E - Counseling and Conflict Resolution

 and can be replaced with workshops from the same field upon agreement—please contact us directly in this case!