An intensive training program that was developed based on the best practices in the field of teaching competencies of faculty members and faculty development.

Duration of Program: 24 training hours.
Target Participants: Faculty members.

Participants receive a program completion certificate.

Content of the Program

In addition to two pre- and post- tests, the program consists of 11 modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Higher Education in Saudi Arabia
Module 2: Foundations of Learning Theories
Module 3: Course Planning and Alignment
Module 4: Teaching and Learning Strategies/Educational Instruction
Module 5: Learner Diversity
Module 6: Using Educational Technology
Module 7: Assessment and Constructive Feedback
Module 8: Lesson Plan Design
Module 9: Student Support
Module 10: Developing an Effective Learning
Module 11: Professional Development and Ethics

Program Outcomes

  1. To support the Deanship of Academic Development's vision and mission of fostering excellence in teaching and learning within the University's academic community.
  2. To raise awareness of and explore the foundations, elements, and concepts related to the educational process overall and within specific disciplines.
  3. To offer a forum where faculty members can share their experiences and reflect on educational theory and practice and their related implications.
  4. To support and nurture faculty members' instructional knowledge, skills, and attitudes to create an ideal learning environment for IAU students. 
  5. To understand the roles and responsibilities of a faculty member in the teaching and learning context.
  6. To encourage faculty members to continuously seek academic development opportunities and resources that support educational practice and lifelong learning.

Module Outcomes

Outcomes were developed according to SOLO Taxonomy Levels

Learning Outcomes according to SOLO Taxonomy Levels
Unistructural (1) Multistructural (2) Relational (3) Extended Abstract (4)
5 17 19 5

Surface Learning/Lower Order
Total 22 Outcomes

Deep Learning/Higher Order
Total 24 Outcomes

Total: 37 written outcomes

At the end of each module, the participant is expected to be able to:

Module 1: Introduction to Higher Education in Saudi Arabia

Time:  1:30

  1. Recognize the role of higher educational institutions in the 21st Century.
  2. Understand the Saudi higher education context, including stakeholders, regulatory bodies and qualifications frameworks, and major challenges. 
  3. Discuss the role and responsibility of higher education and the individual faculty member in advancing KSA toward a knowledge-based economy (Vision 2030).

Module 2: Foundations of Learning Theories

Time: 2:00

  1. Explain the concepts of learning and learning theories.
  2. Recognize the implications of individual and collective contemporary learning theories on students.
  3. Discuss and identify creative and innovative applications of learning theories in the classroom.

Module 3: Course Planning and Alignment

Time: 2:00

  1. Recognize the components and importance of course planning and design and their alignment with the Saudi qualifications frameworks. 
  2. Understand the Understanding by Design framework and examine how the framework guides curriculum, assessment and instruction.
  3. Recognize the hierarchical relationship between goals, objectives, and outcomes.
  4. Identify and create well-stated learning outcomes that reflect the course goals and quality standards.
  5. Explore the relationship between learning outcomes, and the selection of varied teaching and assessment strategies.

Module 4: Teaching and Learning Strategies/Educational Instruction

Time: 2:00

  1. Understand and differentiate between teaching and learning methods and strategies.
  2. Identify the criteria for choosing methods and strategies that facilitate student learning.
  3. Apply and analyze effective instructional strategies.

Module 5: Learner Diversity

Time: 1:30

  1. Explore the elements and characteristics of student diversity at IAU.
  2. Recognize the importance of student diversity in the educational process.
  3. Apply the implications of learner diversity to course planning.

Module 6: Using Educational Technology

Time: 2:00

  1. Define educational technology concepts and the role of technology in 21st Century higher education.
  2. Understand the Technology Integration Planning (TIP) Model and educational technologies that facilitate student learning. 
  3. Adapt courses to include digital educational materials and applications.

Module 7: Assessment and Constructive Feedback

Time: 3:00

  1. Define the concepts and importance of assessment.
  2. Differentiate between various assessment models and their uses for different outcomes. 
  3. Align assessment methods with learning outcomes and teaching strategies.
  4. Discuss and use formative and summative feedback and evaluation.

Module 8: Lesson Plan Design

Time: 2:30

  1. Review the components and importance of course planning and design and their alignment with the Saudi qualifications frameworks.
  2. Analyze lessons that align outcomes, learning activities and assessment strategies.
  3. Synthesize and design the elements of a lesson plan.

Module 9: Student Support

Time: 1:30

  1. Understand the concepts, contexts, and rationale of student support and its importance in motivating student learning.
  2. Analyze the various means of support available in and out of the classroom.
  3. Identify and choose appropriate and effective support mechanisms available for students at IAU.

Module 10: Developing an Effective Learning Environment

Time: 2:00

  1. Define an effective learning environment and its implications from various aspects.
  2. Identify and discuss strategies that effectively motivate learners and manage the educational experience.

Module 11: Professional Development and Ethics

Time: 1:30

  1. Understand continuous professional development and recognize its importance in the academic context.
  2. Recognize ways to find and participate in available professional development programs and career planning.
  3. Understand and discuss the principles and importance of ethics in teaching and learning.
  4. Apply the principle of ethics to the classroom context.