The Advanced GTA Studies in Teaching and Learning Badge recognizes GTAs who demonstrate a deep and multi-faceted understanding and practice of university teaching and learning. Earning the badge involves completing six GTA micro-credentials including three mandatory micro-credentials and three elective micro-credentials.
Mandatory Micro-credentials
1. Introduction to Graduate Teaching Micro-credential:
The Introduction to Graduate Teaching micro-credential is designed to be an orientation support for new GTAs. We recommend that you complete the micro-credential at the beginning of your first term as a GTA. Some sections of the micro-credential, such as the asynchronous GTA Training Module and quiz can be completed any time. Other sections, like the synchronous orientation sessions, are only offered in September and January of each year.
2. How Students Learn
The How Students Learn micro-credential is designed to introduce the science of learning and its relationship to teaching. It is self-paced, and GTAs can self-enroll in this micro-credential at any time.
3. Capstone Project in Teaching and Learning
This micro-credential is intended to be the final micro-credential in the Advanced GTA Studies in Teaching and Learning Badge as it allows GTAs to take the skills they have developed and refined through their work on many different micro-credentials and apply them to an area of interest. It is self-paced, and GTAs can self-enroll in this micro-credential at any time.
Elective Micro-Credentials (GTAs may choose any three to complete):
Active Learning
This micro-credential shares research and experiences on the topic of active learning. This micro-credential is self-paced, and GTAs can self-enroll at any time.
Assessing Student Learning (Coming Soon!)
This micro-credential is designed to build GTAs’ confidence and competence as markers by introducing key concepts, tools, and strategies for assessing student work fairly, consistently, and efficiently. This micro-credential is self-paced, and GTAs can self-enroll at any time.
Engaging Educational Technology
This micro-credential introduces key principles of digital pedagogy that will allow participants to create a more engaging, accessible, and visually appealing learning experience for students. This micro-credential is self-paced, and GTAs can self-enroll at any time.
GTA Lesson Planning and Instruction: Experience the Micro-Teaching Process
This micro-credential offers GTAs the chance to engage in micro-teaching, an established training technique designed to strengthen an instructor’s teaching skills, including planning, developing, and delivering a lesson. This micro-credential is offered in-person every spring.
Responding to Difficult Classroom Situations
This micro-credential offers GTAs a unique opportunity to develop their ability to respond to challenging classroom situations. This micro-credential is offered in-person every September and January.
Trauma-Informed Pedagogy for GTAs
This micro-credential will prioritize a focus on trauma as it relates specifically to higher education. This micro-credential is self-paced, and GTAs can self-enroll at any time.
How to Claim Your Badge
The Advanced GTA Studies in Teaching and Learning Badge is self-paced, and you can complete it any time during your studies at Trent. When you have completed and received the three mandatory and three elective micro-credentials, please complete this form to claim your Badge.