Microcredentials
Microcredentials
OTEAR offers several badges to faculty and staff in areas such as classroom inclusivity, teaching evaluation, and learning analytics. These programs are intended to foster engagement in the assessment of teaching practices and to enhance instructional strategies. By participating in these programs, instructors can gain valuable insights and receive recognition for their efforts.
You can find additional details about microcredentials on the University Academic Affairs microcredentials and badging page. A complete list of badges offered by each issuing unit is available as well.
Badges Offered through OTEAR
Classroom Inclusivity Series
The Classroom Inclusivity Series is a collaboration between various units across Rutgers University. The purpose of the program is to promote Inclusive Scholarship and Teaching and to support a more well-rounded understanding of Classroom Inclusivity. Through this program you will be able to:
- Understand and begin to address your and your students’ identities, biases, prejudices, and fears and the impact they have on learning and the classroom environment.
- Infuse inclusive teaching practices into your educational practices by course re-design or adopting new teaching activities.
- Ensure course content, web pages, activities, and assessments are accessible to all students.
Participants who attend three sessions (one from each of the program competencies), attend a Competency 1 discussion session, and submit reflection statements will have the opportunity to earn a Level 1 Badge for Lifelong Learning in Inclusive & Equitable Teaching. Those who have already completed the Level 1 badge may earn a Level 2 Badge for Implementation of Inclusive Teaching by making instructional changes and developing a website sharing the process and results. For those who achieved the Level 1 & 2 badges or have expertise in the field of inclusive pedagogy, there is a Level 3 Badge for Ambassadors of Inclusive & Equitable Teaching Practices.
Facilitator of Teaching Evaluation
The Facilitator of Teaching Evaluation program provides faculty with an opportunity to develop robust and meaningful methods for teaching evaluation to support their departments. It also enables department leaders to recognize those who are trained and interested in engaging in the evaluation of teaching. Participants in the program will be able to:
- Develop familiarity with policies, practices, and procedures related to evaluation of teaching at Rutgers.
- Design processes based on best practices in evaluating a teaching portfolio, conducting peer observations/peer review of teaching, and interpreting student feedback.
- Be prepared to provide high-quality formative and summative feedback about teaching to other faculty.
Participants may choose from workshops and presentations offered by OTEAR as part of its regular teaching evaluation programming, but they may also select to attend sessions presented by other offices or professional organizations (with approval from OTEAR). The digital badge is permanently awarded and is available at no cost. The program is open to all faculty and instructional staff at Rutgers. Participants must attend all workshops within two years prior to scheduling the consultation with OTEAR.
Introduction to Learning Analytics for Instructors
The Introduction to Learning Analytics for Instructors program is a new asynchronous learning opportunity to support instructors in starting to build their capacity around learning analytics. Topics include defining learning analytics, ethical considerations, limitations, the impact of course design, and an introduction to New Analytics in Canvas. The digital badge can be earned through the completion of all module activities and assignments and is open to all Rutgers faculty and instructional staff at no cost.
There are some activities designed to provide opportunities for discussion with colleagues, and therefore the module will be run in two-week cohorts, one per month. Go to the Canvas site to register.