Advancing Pedagogical Quality through Certificates for Teaching Excellence
St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (FHSTP) has introduced a university-wide teaching staff development programme designed to offer lecturers a science-based and practice-oriented qualification. This initiative addresses the fundamental shift from teaching to learning, supporting a student-centred approach across the institution.
The programme was developed to meet several modern higher education challenges, including:
- Addressing an increasingly heterogeneous student body with diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
- Navigating the digital transformation, requiring staff to implement innovative formats ranging from face-to-face to asynchronous online scenarios.
- Responding to the rise of generative AI tools, which necessitates new, fair, and transparent assessment cultures focused on skills development.
- Ensuring that didactic decisions are grounded in evidence-based pedagogical research.
The resulting 10 ECTS credit programme is now mandatory for all new teaching staff and features a modular structure, including a compulsory “Essentials for Teaching” module followed by specialisations in “Reflective Teaching Practice” or “Teaching Science”.
Results and impact
Since its inception, the programme has seen significant engagement and measurable success:
- Approximately 30 participants start the programme each year, with 45 teachers already formally qualified.
- The initiative has established a shared standard of teaching quality across all disciplines, ensuring consistency in the university’s educational approach.
- By providing formal recognition of teaching achievements, the certificate has raised the professional value of teaching to stand alongside research.
- It has fostered a culture of continuous improvement through peer exchange and reflection, ultimately enhancing the institution’s reputation for both staff and students.
Lessons learned
One of the primary challenges identified was effectively reaching the target group and managing high staff workloads. FHSTP found that personal invitations and consultations in collaboration with Human Resources were essential for encouraging participation.
To accommodate busy schedules, the programme was designed with a highly modular, blended learning format, allowing a significant portion of the workload to be completed asynchronously. A key highlight of the programme is the opportunity for participants to complete a scholarship of Teaching and Learning project, which is showcased at the university’s annual Teaching Staff Conference. The initiative is highly transferable to other institutions, provided there is sufficient funding and strong backing from university leadership.
Learn more
This showcase illustrates how a systematic commitment to staff development can foster a university-wide ethos of teaching excellence. For more detailed information about the Certificate for Teaching Excellence and the Competence Centre for Teaching/Learning Development and Educational Offers, please visit the FHSTP website or explore their further training options here.
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