GTLP Level 3: Pedagogy & Course Design

Level 3: Pedagogy and Course Design is a free, pass-fail, non-credit, hybrid course equivalent to 39 hours of classroom instruction. It is offered in the Winter and Spring terms. Applications for Level 3 will open in December. Qualifying candidates will be invited to apply through campusBridge.

Course Description

GTL Level 3 (Pedagogy and Course Design) is designed for students seeking to work as principal instructor in a university-level course. It provides a creative, collegial environment to discuss teaching and explore best practices in course design and classroom pedagogy. Drawing on their statement of teaching philosophy, participants design a discipline-specific course, create a syllabus, and develop a representative lesson plan and assessments. They also practise teaching and offer colleagues thoughtful and constructive feedback on their presentations.

Prerequisite: Level 2: Practicum

Time Commitment and Approach

This course blends a project-based approach with synchronous virtual learning with time for independent work. Face-to-face sessions combine mini-lectures with participatory and experiential learning. The course consists of 13 modules, some of which will require approximately 2-3 hours outside of class to complete assessments.

Program At-a-Glance and Upcoming Sessions

GTLP At-A-Glance

Level 3: Pedagogy and Course Design 
Course Dates: 

  • Winter Term 2024 (ONLINE): Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 9 to April 11 | 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. (except Reading Week)
  • Spring Term 2024 (IN PERSON): Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, May 31 to June 28 | 9:00 a.m. to noon

In addition to the class time, participants should expect to spend a substantial amount of time on their own completing course assignments. 

Level 3 Enrolment

Level 3: Pedagogy and Course Design is open to current graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Participants who successfully complete Level 2: Practicum will be invited to register for Level 3 through campusBridge. Level 3 is offered in Winter and Spring and is limited to 80 participants each term. Qualifying applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If enrolment levels permit, a small number of spaces may be made available to University staff members, who should contact the instructor prior to applying.

Intended Learning Outcomes
  • Identify and advocate for the values and responsibilities that guide you as an educator;
  • Explain the principles of active learning, applying them to course design, lesson planning and day-to-day pedagogy;
  • Design an integrated and inclusive university-level course;
  • Identify and apply effective strategies to crafting lesson plans and assessments;
  • Apply tested strategies to, and reflect critically on, your pedagogical practice, including classroom management and student support and inclusion; 
  • Expand and refine the teaching dossier created in Level 2.
Completion Requirement and Transcript Notation

Successful completion of GTL-3 is predicated on the completion of several assignments designed to support your professional development.

These tasks will vary from session to session. They may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: (1) revised teaching development plan; (2) revised statement of teaching philosophy; (3) course syllabus; (4) assessment and rubric; (5) short quiz; (6) lesson planning and microteaching; (7) written peer feedback; (8) dossier; and (9) course completion survey.

Attendance and peer engagement are mandatory and a significant component in the completion requirements.

The Professional Development Requirement

This course may be counted towards the Professional Development Requirement. All professional development activities must be approved by your department

Contact Information

Questions regarding the Graduate Teaching and Learning Program (GTLP) can be directed to: gradpd@ualberta.ca.