Teach Well

Image of woman presenting to a class of students

Introducing Teach Well - Principles to Practice

Teach Well: Principles to Practice is an exciting new Professional Development module that is FREE for UoP staff and is ideal for new starters, early career academics and staff in roles related to teaching or related to supporting student learning. This professional development module is 30 credits at level 7, and will include asynchronous preparation activities and development activities designed to support and provide context.  

Participants will embark on a pedagogical journey through three pillars of practice for teaching well in HE and will gain confidence to critically evaluate learning and design approaches and reflect on what it means to teach well across different modes of study. On completion of the module, participants will have gained an understanding of UoP's Blended and Connected approach, underpinned by the principles of Active Blended Learning, and understand what it means to Teach Well, Consistently Well. 

The three pillar days are intentionally designed to support engagement with Advance HE’s Professional Standards Framework (PSF 2023), providing structured opportunities for reflection and build confidence engaging with the PSF. 

This practical module focuses on learning design, teaching practice, and assessment and feedback, in the context of a solid pedagogic framework. A significant component of the module content and associated skills is practical teaching. Participants will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to teach well in higher education through a micro-teaching assessment. 

Progression to Fellowship 

Throughout this module, you will engage with the Professional Standards Framework (PSF 2023) to develop the core knowledge, values and behaviours expected of professionals who teach or support learning in higher education. The Teach Well assessment is designed to mirror the requirements of the Descriptor 1 (Associate Fellow) professional conversation, offering a supported opportunity to prepare for gaining D1. 

After completing Teach Well, participants can either book a Professional Conversation to apply for D1 Associate Fellowship via APEX or continue onto Module 2 to complete the PGCert HE, accredited to Descriptor 2 (Fellow). 

There is a single application for Teach Well and the full PGCert HE. Once you have completed Teach Well, you can choose to continue with the second module to obtain the full PGCert HE and D2 Fellowship or step off after completing Teach Well.   

Module Focus

Throughout the module, participants are encouraged to apply their learning to a module focus that will serve as the central theme for our discussions and design activities ensuring that participants feel inspired and motivated to actively contribute their pedagogic perspectives and expertise in line with their current roles and responsibilities. 

The module activities are designed to foster an inclusive environment that nurtures creativity and innovative thinking. Through engaging workshop activities, group discussion, and collaboration, we will collectively explore various approaches to learning design and teaching methods, that epitomises best practice in learning design and teaching practice. 

The module activities will function as a collaborative platform, facilitating knowledge exchange amongst the participants integrating real-world experiences and perspectives, appropriate for diverse educational settings. 

Q&A

Applications are open to staff members at the University of Portsmouth only. Unfortunately, students are not eligible to apply for Teach Well.

Yes. Participants are expected to attend all face-to-face sessions. We recommend discussing your availability with your line manager before applying. However, we understand that full attendance may not always be possible and encourage you to contact us to discuss any potential conflicts prior to applying. 

Not automatically. Teach Well is not currently accredited for Descriptor 1 (Associate Fellow) of the Professional Standards Framework (PSF 2023). However, the module assessment is designed to mirror the requirements of the Descriptor 1 professional conversation, acting as excellent preparation. 

After completing Teach Well, you can: 

  • Book a Professional Conversation to apply for D1 Associate Fellowship via APEX 

 or 

  • Progress to the second module of the PGCert HE, which is accredited to Descriptor 2 (Fellow).  

Absolutely. Teach Well is designed for both new and experienced staff who want to enhance their teaching practice. Whether you’re looking to refresh your approach, share best practice, or explore new ideas in learning and teaching, the module offers valuable opportunities for reflection and development at any stage of your career. 

There is one application process for both Teach Well and the full PGCert HE.  After completing Teach Well, you can choose to progress to the second module to gain the full PGCert HE and D2 Fellowship.

Participant Feedback

‘The Teach Well course really motivated me to reflect more on the how, what and why of my teaching, and helped me articulate this better with plenty of exploration of underlying teaching and learning theories’

‘Teach Well helped identify the areas of development required in my own knowledge personal practice which has given me the confidence and skills to support the creation and improvement of teaching and learning activities’

‘The Teach Well course joined up the dots of my prior knowledge and put theoretical concepts into context, the impact it has had on my professional practice has been tremendous. I'm now armed with the ability to ask the right questions when talking to my academic colleagues, so that together we can improve modules and courses from several different aspects’

 

If you do have any further questions about Teach Well, please contact chris.wood1@port.ac.uk 

 

screengrab of latest Teach Well flyer -TB2 - Jan 2026

View Teach Well: Principles to Practice (PDF)

Application Guidance 

  • Complete the external application form, using a non-UoP email address if possible (UoP emails can cause issues where the system identifies you as both student and staff). 

  • Submit the application fully via SITS. 

  • Ensure you have received an offer email and complete registration before their chosen intake. 

  • Provide any additional documents (e.g. references, personal statements, passports). 

  • Add qualifications. 

  • Complete a fee assessment. 

  • Respond to automated emails asking for qualifications — these can be ignored. 

  • Pay any fees at the registration stage. 

Apply Now 

By applying for Teach Well, you are confirming that you have: 
 

  1. Checked that you are able to attend all the face-to-face session dates listed below:

    • ​​​​Module Introduction (whole day, face to face) - 27th January 2026
    • Pillar 1: Learning Design (whole day, face to face) - 10th February 2026
    • Pillar 2: Teaching Practice (whole day, face to face) - 3rd March 2026
    • Pillar 3: Assessment and Feedback (whole day, face to face)  - 24th March 2026
    • Assessment 1: Micro Teach - w/c 18th May 2026
    • Assessment 2: Professional Presentation - w/c 25th May 2026
       

  2. Sought approval from your line manager to take part in Teach Well. 
     

  3. Confirm that you are a current member of University of Portsmouth.
     

Apply now