Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Certificate

The Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education is a free, optional, non-credit program for Lakehead University graduate students that introduces practical aspects of teaching in Canada at the post-secondary level.

  • The certificate program runs from November through the following September.
  • Modules introduce learning theory and practice as well as information about Indigenous research and teaching, the globalization of learning, the ethics of university teaching, and careers beyond the university.

Six of the eight modules were prepared by Queen’s University, Western University, and University of Waterloo, while the Indigenous focused module as well as the alternative careers module are developed locally.

  • Student who join the course in November have just short of 11 months to work through the included content and submit the necessary assignments to receive the TLHE certificate.
  • The work load in the modules is not overly heavy, though, so student have sufficient time to complete the certificate work even if they register quite late. 

A. Included Modules

1. Fall Term

  • How Students Learn
  • Active Learning
  • Principles of Course Design
  • Assessment Strategies

2. Winter Term

  • Ethical Principles and Professionalism in University Teaching
  • Indigenous Research and Teaching
  • Globalization of Learning
  • Alt-Ac (Alternative Academic) and Other Career Options 

B. Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, successful participants will be able to the following:

  • Articulate principles of how students learn and how instructors can enhance this process
  • Plan active-learning activities implementable in undergraduate courses in their field of study
  • Generate effective learning outcomes (or objectives) relevant to their field 
  • Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of assessment types, tools, and criteria
  • Design a working sample of undergraduate-level authentic assessment relevant to their field of study that links assessment tasks to learning objectives (or outcomes)
  • Construct a sample lesson plan for a hypothetical undergraduate class based on their own research that aligns stated learning outcomes (or objectives), assessments, and active teaching and learning activities
  • Explain best practices for incorporating Indigenous content in a post-secondary class relevant to their field of study, demonstrating informed awareness of Indigenous methodologies, research ethics, and protocols
  • Apply inclusive and interculturally fluent approaches to teaching in their field of study
  • Interpret and apply ethical principles to analyze and propose solutions for a variety of ethical dilemmas in teaching
  • Sketch out field-appropriate career options beyond the academy that build on and make good use of their gradate training at the university 

C. Information Sessions

  • Dates and times for information sessions will be announced in early autumn 2024.

D. Deadline to Register

Registration for the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education certificate program will be available by early November. 

1. To register, log in to mycourselink. From there, you will do the following:

  • Select “Self Registration" in the top toolbar (above any courses you have pinned).
  • Scroll down and select the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 2024-2025.
  • Click on the course name and complete the registration process.

2. Registration is ongoing, so you may join the program at your convenience. Note, though, that all assignments must be completed and submitted by September 2025 for them to be assessed and the 2024-2025 certificate awarded. 

E. For More Information