P-OE - UniversitätsVerlagWebler

P-OE
A. Raaheim • Initial entry training at the University of Bergen, Norway
Figure 1
The presentation skills unit is somewhat different. A small
group (max 8) is given extensive practical training during the
first two days. All the time we use video cameras. Some presentations
are to be held without any teaching aids, others
are held using different teaching aids like powerpoint,
overhead, blackboard, whiteboard, and others. Later the
same term a representative from the Educational Development
Centre visit each participant (one at a time) and video
tape one ordinary (45 min) lecture. Immediately after this
lecture the representative from the centre and the lecturer
discuss the presentation and look at the video. Later on, the
participants receive a DVD containing their lecture(s).
(b) strategies and policies governing higher education in
general and at the University of Bergen in particular, and
(c) practical teaching sessions with peer feedback.
The participants meet as a group on two occasions, each
session lasting three full days. A first meeting is typically
held in January, the second meeting in April/May. These
meetings are held outside of the university. All costs are covered
by the Educational Development Centre. The centre
receives its budget (working capital) partly from the Faculty
of psychology and partly from central (University of Bergen)
reserves. Between meetings, the participants visit each
other and “sit in” as participants listening/looking as one
group member conducts his/her teaching. At the end of the
session feedback is presented. This is carried out in smaller
groups of 4 or 5. In order to pass, all participants have to be
present 80% of the time. They have to both receive and pay
a visit to the others members of their group and to receive/present
feedback on the teaching. And, they have to
hand in a written portfolio consisting of two texts related to
the topics that have been discussed in this unit.
4. Optional units
The participants are asked to choose optional units after
having finished the basic unit (although exceptions to this
rule do happen). The 5 credits units take place at a hotel in
Bergen, each unit lasting three full days; 0900-1530 each
day, lunch included. After the two first days, we take a
break (approximately two months), in which the participants
carry out a particular task. After the break the group
meets for one last day where the participants report on
their experiences. In the learning and assessment unit this
takes the form of a one-day conference, where the participants
present a poster.
Each participant is given 10 minutes to present their poster,
followed by a discussion. (See picture below). In their poster,
the participants present a sketch of an alternative to
the existing way of assessing students. This alternative may
or may not have been tested. If it has, the participants are
asked to report on the experiences reported by students
and staff.
5. Concluding remarks
Participants typically pass and are accepted as long as they
are present 80% of the time. (80% attendance in each
unit). In the basic unit the participants have to hand in a
portfolio, on which written feedback is presented. The Educational
Development Centre reports to the university administration,
and it is up to the university administration
and the different faculties to make sure that those who do
not attend (or those who drop out) do in fact follow the full
programme. All successful participants receive a certificate
by the Educational Development Centre. Several hundred
people have followed the programme since 1990. Although
many are reluctant to take part (some are very keen!), a
clear majority report (at the end) that they are very positive
to the programme. Each unit is assessed by the participants
(written feedback). We see it as important that the training
takes place outside the walls of the university, in order to
prevent people from running to and from their offices,
meetings and other duties. All faculties and department are
asked to make sure that individuals who take part in the
programme should have a reduced teaching load for the
duration of the programme. This seldom works!
Figure 2
• Dr. Arild Raaheim, Professor für Psychologie,
Studienprogrammleiter, Studienprogramm für
Universitätspädagogik, Universität Bergen/Norwegen,
E-Mail: Arild.Raaheim@iuh.uib.no
P-OE 1+2/2008
23