In 2016, the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF) adopted national recommendations for qualifying teacher education, regarding common learning outcomes and that an education at one higher education institution should be recognised in another.
Scope and purpose of HE teaching qualifications
Professional training for academic teaching comprises a total of at least ten weeks’ full-time studies. Previous knowledge required consists of a degree from HE or corresponding knowledge. The purpose of the training is to contribute to the basic teaching proficiency required for employment as a teacher in HE.
Learning outcomes for HE teaching qualifications
In addition to the general objectives in the Swedish Higher Education Act for the second cycle, i.e. advanced level (Chapter 1, Section 9), the overarching objective is that, after completing the education, the participant shall demonstrate the knowledge, skills and approaches required for professional teaching in HE, in the
participant’s subject area, and for taking part in the development of HE.
The participant shall demonstrate the ability to
- discuss and problematise student learning in the participant’s own subject area, on the basis of research in educational sciences and/or subject didactics of relevance for teaching in HE
- independently and jointly with others, plan, implement and evaluate teaching and assessment in higher education with a scientific, scholarly or artistic basis and within their own area of knowledge
- make use of, and assist in the development of, physical and digital learning environments to promote learning for groups and for individuals
- interact with students in an inclusive manner and demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations regarding students with disabilities and of available student support
- apply relevant national and local rules and regulations, and to discuss society’s objectives for HE and the academic teaching role in terms of the participant’s own practice and students’ active participation in HE
- reflect on their professional approach to academic teaching and their relationship with the students, and also towards the fundamental values of higher education, such as democracy, internationalisation, gender equality, equal opportunities and sustainability
- collect, analyse and communicate their own and others’ experiences of teaching and learning practices, and relevant outcomes of research, as a basis for the development of educational practice and of the academic profession.
The participants must have started a teaching portfolio and reported on an independent project, concerning teaching and learning within their own field of knowledge, drawing upon relevant research in educational sciences and/or in subject didactics.
Source: SUHF Rek 2016:1
FUS' package of qualifying courses
FUS’ package of qualifying courses follows SUHF’s recommendations. SUHF's learning outcomes can be found in the courses, but to some extent in somewhat simplified wording. Some of the outcomes come back in whole or in part in several courses. Since the outcomes are extensive, the courses in the package of qualifying courses can be considered to be introductory. The above outcomes are therefore also included in the in-depth courses, which offer the possibility of more in-depth studies.