Training

The training is designed for BSc and MSc students who will work as TAs and want to learn not only how to facilitate and guide the learning process but also how to create a safe, inclusive, and constructive learning environment. The training is held three to four times per academic year and is set up as follows:

The training is divided into two blocks: 

• A basic block, where all sessions are obligatory. In this part, we offer 4 sessions. Each session has a specific focus: the first is dedicated to the basics of didactics and facilitating the tutorials; the second, to group dynamics and constructive feedback; and the third and fourth sessions focus on intercultural competencies and culturally inclusive teaching. All tools and strategies discussed in the sessions are evidence-based and reported in the peer-reviewed literature.

  Upon the completion of a basic block, TAs are able to :

  • Explain the role of tutorials and TA in supporting learning during the course
  • Demonstrate the use of the Learning Objectives of the tutorials in designing their teaching activities
  • Apply the tools and strategies to engage students in the learning activities
  • Generate discussion during tutorials by asking critical and open-ended questions
  • Apply constructive feedback to increase the quality of learning
  • Recognize the students’ needs/ability to learn/ understand the subject
  • Facilitate a group discussion and group dynamics
  • Use assessment tools to monitor the learning progress of students 
  • Promote inquiry practices by giving feedback and formulating open questions
  • Interact with student working groups to address logistical aspects of the laboratory practicals

• A STEM module block, where students must follow a minimum of 2 elective modules. Based on the description of the modules, which can be found here, TAs are asked to select the best-suited sessions for their needs as a facilitators. Since the capacity of the groups is limited, we will prioritize:

  TAs who are active in the semester and blocks that follow the training (1a,1b, and 2a/2b);

TAs who enroll first based on the date of enrolment: first come = first served.

The total workload amounts to 21 hours approximately. Before the start of each session (both blocks), TAs are expected to complete preparation assignments. There is no final assignment. Upon successful completion of the training (see rules), each student will receive a certificate.

Table 1. Overview of all the sessions available in both blocks.

All sessions follow the flipped classroom set-up, which means that they are used to apply the knowledge gained during preparatory assignments. Thus, preparation is essential for this course and for a TA’s certification. All sessions are interactive. Students will work in groups, to discuss and reflect on the subject.

Registration

The next TA training will take place in semester 1b and will be mainly dedicated to TAs facilitating tutorials in semester 1b. Please register for the training in 1a and select electives and dates by filling out the registration form:

The deadline to register is 1st November at midnight. Upon acceptance to the training, we will enroll you in the Brightspace course.

We will offer additional trainings for 2a/2b. The enrollment for training for TAs facilitating in 1b will be available at a later moment. 

If you have questions regarding the TA training, please contact us at fse-ta-training rug.nl 

As part of the introduction events for first-year students, our team offers the following: 

Introduction to the Dutch session

After this 2h workshop, students who have recently arrived in the Netherlands and Groningen, are able to identify some core values of Dutch society  and the Dutch academic system and how these manifest in daily encounters. 

Introduction Events (Bachelors, Masters & PreMasters) 

In the past years, the CLT was involved in introduction events and tried to help students become aware of the international environment they study in. We delivered a 1h session during the faculty Masters and PreMasters introductions. An animation film designed by DEI is shown yearly to new bachelor students too. 

All students who want to become mentors, will attend the following trainings: 1 basic session and 2 advanced ones, as outlined below. 

Mentor Training (basic) 

This compulsory module is for all newly starting mentors. It consists of a 3 h training and skill building session which focuses on privilege and cultural differences.  After the session, mentors are able to identify the impact that cultural differences may have on their mentor group and they have formulated strategies to create a more inclusive space.

Mentor Trainings (advanced)

Session on Empathy 
This compulsory advanced module is designed for experienced mentors. It consists of a 3 h training and skill-building session which focuses mainly on (self)- empathy. This module enables experienced mentors to use empathy and/or self-empathy to initiate intercultural dialogues with their mentees. 

Session on Gender Bias
In addition to the compulsory session on empathy, experienced mentors are asked to choose 3  advanced sessions that aim to broaden or deepen their skill set. This session on gender is one of  these optional modules. 

This advanced module is designed for experienced mentors. It consists of a 2h training session which focuses on gender equality. This session enables experienced mentors to provide equitable treatment to all genders in their activities as mentors.

Betastuf training for all Study Associations

To this day, the CLT yearly designed and delivered a tailor-made training for the Board members of all the Study Associations of FSE for Betastuf. The duration, format, focus and objectives of these trainings vary each year and is defined by the Betastuf chair.  

In the past years, our sessions focused, in turn, on: 

• Cultural diversity and inclusion
• Unconscious biases
• Gender identity & inclusion
• Inclusive language

In former trainings, we also offered group and/ or individual assessments as well as association specific consultancy. 

Study Association specific training

On demand, the CLT also provides advice and/or training to members of a given Study Association. These past years, the team delivered workshops to prepare Idun GLV language buddies and make them aware of the challenges newly arrived international students may run into at FSE. The team has also trained their active committee members to help them design and facilitate more inclusive activities. 

PhD students

Each year, the CLT delivers 3 editions of the Teacher Training for PhDs to PhD candidates who work or intend to work as teaching assistants. These trainings enable the participants to develop and practice their intercultural and culturally inclusive teaching skills.

These courses are initiated and coordinated by the CLT.

The course ‘How to teach tutorials’ consists of 5 workshops of 2.5h and some assignments. The second and fourth sessions focus on intercultural competences and culturally inclusive teaching. 

The course ‘How to supervise’ consists of 5 workshops of 2.5h and some assignments. In 3 sessions, participants focus on identifying the impact of cultural diversity on the supervision process,  developing intercultural awareness and providing feedback in a culturally sensitive manner.

In cooperation with the Corporate Academy of the UG, the CLT offers 2 workshops on supervising PhD candidates across cultures. The first workshop focuses on general cultural differences and the second workshop zooms in on Dutch and Chinese cultures. The courses are offered both in spring and fall.

Registration is done via the Corporate Academy: