EDMAPI: Introduction to Academic Practice

Module code: EDMAPI

Module provider: Institute of Education

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Joanna Cordy , email: j.cordy@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): Before taking this module, you must have met the eligibility requirements and have agreement from your Heads of School, including having sufficient teaching hours, in order to meet the requirements for Descriptor 1 (Advance HE PSF 2023). (Open)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 4 June 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to provide students with an overview of teaching and supporting learning in higher education. It aims to support students in developing effective and reflective approaches to professional practice in their contexts.

It enables students to provide evidence of achievement at Descriptor 1 of the Professional Standards Framework through demonstrating an understanding of specific aspects of effective teaching, learning and support methods.

Through engaging with the course content, students will be encouraged to apply and share their knowledge and understanding of theory and practice, and to reflect on their practice as appropriate.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Design effective, engaging and inclusive sessions which draw on the principles of good pedagogic practice
2. Apply pedagogic theory and literature to evidence the rationale for design at the level of the session
3. Critically evaluate and develop their teaching practice through self-reflection and in response to feedback
4. Evidence the use and application of relevant Dimensions of the PSF within your practice (meeting D1.1, 1.2 and 1.3) 

Module content

The content covered in the module will allow students to:

• To develop an understanding of how students learn
• To introduce good practice in the main aspects of designing and planning sessions
• To develop your practical skills as a teacher and/or supporter of learning
• To introduce good practice in the main aspects of evaluating and assessing learning
• To introduce pedagogic theory and understand how it applies in practice
• To develop awareness of approaches to student support and guidance, and the existing expertise and support systems available
• To encourage a reflective approach to professional development
• To provide opportunities to engage with the Professional Standards Framework at Descriptor 1
• Share experiences and network with colleagues across the University

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Contact time is primarily through two intensive blocks of face-to-face and online workshops. The sessions are underpinned by pedagogic theory and will include a balance of input, discussion and practical activities. They are interactive in nature and build upon students’ prior knowledge. Students will experience first-hand some of the approaches they are considering for their own students.

Issues involved in discipline-specific teaching/support roles are considered through group discussion, individual reflective tasks and the assessment task. Students are also supported through the module by individual tutorials with a discipline-specific mentor. There will be an opportunity to gain feedback from others through a micro-teach activity.

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these h