Program Overview
The Micro-Certificate in Teaching Excellence is organized into five asynchronous online modules covering foundational areas of post-secondary teaching.
To earn the micro-certificate, participants complete four of the five modules:
Three required modules:
- Teaching at the University
- Curriculum & Course Design
- Assessment & Feedback
Plus at least one elective module:
- Learning Theories & Pedagogical Approaches
- Technology Integration
Participants are welcome to complete all five modules if they wish to explore the full range of content currently available.
There is no application process or cohort start date. Enrol when you are ready and complete the modules on a timeline that works for you.
A Pathway to the Full Certificate in Teaching Excellence
The Micro-Certificate in Teaching Excellence is also designed as a first step toward further teaching development.
Beginning in Winter 2027, the Centre for Teaching and Learning will introduce a full Certificate in Teaching Excellence, featuring additional modules that build on the learning offered through this micro-certificate.
Modules completed as part of the Micro-Certificate in Teaching Excellence will be able to ladder into the full certificate, allowing participants to build on the work they have already completed rather than starting over.
More information about the full Certificate in Teaching Excellence, including its additional modules and completion requirements, will be shared closer to its Winter 2027 launch.
Explore the Modules
Module 1: Teaching at the University | Required
Get oriented to teaching at the University of Regina, including key policies, teaching technologies, UR Courses, and institutional resources. Learn where to find support and how to use available services to strengthen course planning and delivery.
Module 2: Learning Theories & Pedagogical Approaches | Elective
Explore foundational learning theories and evidence-based teaching practices that support effective learning. Develop practical strategies for active learning, student engagement, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning.
Module 3: Technology Integration | Elective
Learn how to use educational technologies purposefully across face-to-face, online, and hybrid teaching environments. Explore institutionally supported tools, polling, Generative AI, and responsible technology use with consideration for accessibility, privacy, and inclusion.
Module 4: Curriculum & Course Design | Required
Learn how backward design and constructive alignment can guide effective course development. Apply these principles to create clear learning outcomes, aligned assessments, and a well-designed syllabus.
Module 5: Assessment & Feedback | Required
Explore authentic and traditional approaches to assessment, along with strategies for rubrics, grading, and meaningful student feedback. Consider assessment integrity, student feedback, and the implications of Generative AI for assessment design.
Teaching & Learning Café
Learning about teaching does not have to happen alone. All participants receive access to the Teaching & Learning Café, a shared online space for connecting with other instructors interested in teaching and learning.
Use the Café to:
- ask questions about teaching;
- share ideas, strategies, and resources;
- discuss challenges and approaches with colleagues; and
- continue conversations sparked by the micro-certificate modules.
The Café provides an ongoing opportunity to learn with and from colleagues as you work through the program and apply new ideas in your teaching.
What You Will Learn
Through the Micro-Certificate in Teaching Excellence, you will have opportunities to:
- navigate key University of Regina teaching policies, technologies, resources, and support services;
- apply learning theories, evidence-based teaching practices, active learning strategies, and Universal Design for Learning;
- integrate educational technologies purposefully across face-to-face, online, and hybrid teaching environments;
- make informed decisions about Generative AI, accessibility, privacy, inclusion, and responsible technology use;
- design courses using backward design and constructive alignment, including clear learning outcomes, aligned assessments, and effective syllabi;
- create authentic and traditional assessments, transparent rubrics, and strategies for constructive feedback;
- strengthen assessment integrity, including responding to challenges and opportunities associated with Generative AI; and
- gather and respond to student feedback to support ongoing improvement in teaching and learning.
Flexible by Design
Start anytime. Learn anywhere. Complete it at your own pace.
The Micro-Certificate in Teaching Excellence is offered fully online and asynchronously, allowing you to fit professional development around your teaching, research, service, and other commitments.
There are no application deadlines and no scheduled cohort start dates. Enrol when you are ready, work through the modules when it suits your schedule, and choose the elective content most relevant to your teaching.
Earning the Micro-Certificate
To earn the Micro-Certificate in Teaching Excellence, complete:
- Teaching at the University
- Curriculum & Course Design
- Assessment & Feedback
- At least one of the following:
- Learning Theories & Pedagogical Approaches
- Technology Integration
You may also complete all five modules.
Upon successful completion of the requirements, you will receive a micro-certificate recognizing your professional development in university teaching.
The modules you complete will also count toward the full Certificate in Teaching Excellence launching in Winter 2027, should you choose to continue.
Is the Micro-Certificate in Teaching Excellence Right for You?
This program may be a good fit if you want to:
- build a stronger foundation in university teaching;
- refresh or expand your existing teaching practice;
- explore practical strategies you can apply in your courses;
- learn more about course design, assessment, feedback, pedagogy, or educational technology;
- pursue teaching development without committing to scheduled workshops or a cohort-based program;
- earn recognition for your professional development in teaching; or
- begin working toward the full Certificate in Teaching Excellence launching in Winter 2027.
Whether you are relatively new to university teaching or looking for an opportunity to revisit and strengthen your practice, the flexible format allows you to focus on learning that is relevant to you.