Small, Intentional Changes in Teaching. Meaningful Impact on Student Learning.
What if improving student learning began with one intentional change to your teaching? The Certificate in Introductory Course Praxis is a non-credit professional development program that supports University of Regina instructors in examining and refining introductory undergraduate teaching through a structured, evidence-informed approach.
Through facilitated learning, individual consultations, and collaboration with colleagues, participants examine their own teaching practices, explore course-level evidence, and implement focused improvements designed to strengthen student learning, engagement, and belonging. Rather than requiring a complete course redesign, the program emphasizes practical, manageable changes that can make a meaningful difference over time.
Program at a Glance
- Format: Cohort-based professional development
- Focus: Introductory undergraduate teaching
- Approach: Applied learning, consultation, peer collaboration, and reflection
- Duration: As little as two academic semesters, with up to 18 months to complete
- Cost: No cost to participants
- Admission: Application required; spaces are limited
- Recognition: Professional certificate issued through MyCreds
What Is Praxis?
Praxis is the intentional integration of knowledge, action, and reflection. In this program, you will explore evidence-informed approaches to teaching, apply what you learn in your own course, examine the results, and reflect on opportunities for further improvement.
The process is designed around a continuous cycle: Examine → Plan → Act → Reflect → Refine
Rather than treating professional development as something separate from teaching, Praxis connects learning directly to the courses you teach and the students you support.
What Will You Explore?
The certificate focuses on three interconnected dimensions of introductory course teaching.
1. Course (Re)Design
Explore how course structure, expectations, policies, and learning activities shape the student experience. Consider ways to make learning pathways clearer, address knowledge gaps, and help students navigate the transition into university-level learning.
2. Engaging Teaching
Examine teaching strategies that support active learning, student participation, self-regulated learning, belonging, and psychological safety. Explore approaches that help students become more engaged and confident participants in their learning.
3. Assessment
Consider how assessment and feedback practices can support learning progression, provide meaningful guidance, and help identify students who may be experiencing difficulties. Explore opportunities to make assessment more intentional, transparent, and responsive to student learning needs.
What Does the Program Involve?
Participants complete a combination of learning sessions, applied activities, consultations, and peer learning experiences.
Required Components
- Evidence-Informed Course Iteration: An online module and activity focused on understanding and using evidence from your own course.
- Course (Re)Design: A facilitated learning session and applied Praxis cycle.
- Engaging Teaching: A facilitated learning session and applied Praxis cycle.
- Assessment: A facilitated learning session and applied Praxis cycle.
- Universal Design for Learning: A session exploring inclusive and accessible course design.
- Syllabus Consultation: An individualized opportunity to review and reflect on your course syllabus.
- 13-Week Student Journey: A final integrative project connecting course design, teaching, and assessment.
- Faculty Learning Community: Participation in at least two peer learning sessions.
The program is designed to accommodate academic workloads through flexible completion timelines and multiple session offerings.
What Will You Gain?
By completing the program, you will be better prepared to:
- Use evidence from your own course to inform teaching decisions.
- Design clearer, more accessible, and more intentional introductory learning experiences.
- Apply strategies that support active learning, student engagement, and belonging.
- Develop assessment and feedback practices that support student progress.
- Connect course design, teaching activities, and assessment into a coherent learning experience.
- Establish an ongoing process of reflective, evidence-informed teaching improvement.
You’ll also have opportunities to connect with colleagues who share an interest in strengthening introductory undergraduate education.
Who Can Apply?
The program is intended for current academic members of the University of Regina and its Federated Colleges, including faculty members, instructors, and sessional lecturers who teach or are preparing to teach introductory undergraduate courses. Participants must teach at least one eligible introductory undergraduate course within three academic semesters following admission. Currently, eligible courses include 100-level undergraduate courses and courses with “Introduction to” in the title. No prior formal training in pedagogy is required.
A Flexible Approach to Professional Learning
The certificate can be completed in as little as two academic semesters, with a maximum completion period of 18 months. Required sessions are offered during the October–November and February–March periods, with other activities completed on a flexible timeline. This structure allows participants to integrate professional development into their ongoing teaching responsibilities.
Recognition & Continued Learning
Upon successful completion, participants receive a professional certificate issued through MyCreds. Graduates are welcome to remain connected through Faculty Learning Community sessions and the Introductory Course Praxis Microsoft Teams community. The program may also provide a foundation for further scholarly and professional activities, such as Scholarship of Teaching and Learning research, conference presentations, open educational resource development, or sharing teaching insights through CTL events.
How to Apply
Applications for the Winter 2027 cohort close on November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
A limited number of participants are admitted each semester. Submission of an application does not guarantee admission, and eligible applicants who are not selected may be considered for a future cohort.
Have Questions?
If you’re wondering whether the Certificate in Introductory Course Praxis is the right fit for you, we’d be happy to help.