We encourage the UDQ tremendously because its added value is really clear. It matches the needs of our PhD students and tutors: it gives them both the necessary didactical competence ánd boosts their confidence as a teacher.
Celine Bokkinga
Project coordinator Education and Study Advice ESHPM
Celine Bokkinga is Project Coordinator Education and Study Advice at EHPM and, among other things, responsible for lecturer professionalization. She is also the internal contact person for questions about qualification programs such as the UTQ, SEQ and SUTQ. In this role, she is in regular contact with Risbo, which organizes these programs. This also applies in particular to the University Delivery Qualification (BDQ), formerly known as the Didactics of Delivery in Education trajectory (DDE).
Celine, when do you refer to the UDQ trajectory?
The PhD coordinator of our faculty actually refers to me when new PhD students start. They are hired on a research project, of course, but they usually have no teaching experience whatsoever. This is quite difficult, of course, and we want to support them in this area. However, the University Teaching Qualification is designed for univerisity teachers with more teaching duties and responsibilities. The great thing about the UDQ is that it really matches what a PhD student or tutor needs. Besides, it also results in earning a partial certificate of the UTQ, which might come in handy at a later stage.
What change have you experienced since Risbo offered this trajectory?
In the start-up phase it was mostly customized, in combination with already existing MicroLabs. That did create differences between individuals, and sometimes caused confusion among participants. Now the program has matured. It has a clearly defined program and schedule. As a result, I have a better overview of who is doing what, and I've noticed that more people are finishing the trajectory.
Is it a mandatory trajectory?
Well, it's not a rock solid obligation but we encourage it tremendously because the added value is so clear.
I liked it; the classes were interesting and enjoyable. It was nice that there was a lot of room for excercises and feedback. In addition, you can immediately put into practice what you have learned.
Pim den Boon
ESHPM-participant UDQ-trajectory 2024
How is the trajectory perceived?
Very positively. I almost always hear back that participants, even if they were somewhat skeptical at first, find it very practical and that they feel they are better equipped to teach. Not only because they are now familiar with a whole arsenal of icebreakers, but also because they are much more aware of how to approach a lesson in the first place. They feel more confident, for example, to put their own twist on the lesson structure.
How do you experience the cooperation with Risbo?
Nice and easy. We have short lines of communication with Esther and Celine for questions, etc. and once in a while we catch up on developments.
Would you recommend the UDQ trajectory to other faculties?
Certainly. The added value is not only in increasing the didactic knowledge and skills of the individual participant, but also on another level: We are a multidisciplinary faculty with large differences between the disciplines. During the UDQ trajectory, you learn and work together with colleagues from other sections. This is great fun and creates more connection internally 😊.