Teaching and Learning at Reading
Welcome to the Teaching & Learning information hub.
At Reading we are dedicated to being at the forefront of teaching and learning developments. We want to inspire innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning by working in partnership with colleagues and with our student community. On this page, you will find information and links to relevant Teaching and Learning content published across various university sites.
We’re working to ensure a sustainable future for Reading and to help us deliver our University Strategy. The Strategic Foundations Programme will enable our institution to invest more in excellence and deliver changes gradually to allow colleagues to engage in the process and manage the transition for everyone effectively.
Quick links
Reading Integrated Student Information System
Your portal for professional development - browse the full range of courses available to University colleagues
Support and guidance for Academic Tutors.
Essentials – our webpages for current students
The Essentials pages cover a variety of topics relevant for our current students.
Latest information on current projects
We aspire for the University of Reading to be an environment that respects and supports the needs of individual learners from all diverse backgrounds and in doing so enriches the wider collective student experience. The creation of a diverse and inclusive learning community is at the very core of what it means to be a university. We take it to be self-evident that learning requires openness to new ideas and to different ways of thinking about and experiencing the world. Colleagues can find out more, with tips and resources on our Inclusive Teaching & Learning webpage.
The Portfolio Review Pathway (PRP) is the most progressed area of work under the Strategic Foundation Programme. It supports the Excellence, Sustainability and Community principles of the University’s Strategic Plan.
The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a system that assesses the quality of teaching in universities in England. The Office for Students is currently reviewing the future of the TEF. The OfS ran a consultation on proposals for the TEF between January and March 2022, and the University welcomed the opportunity to share its views on the shape of the proposed framework. Consultation on the Teaching Excellence Framework
Student Academic Transitions Working Group
Supporting student attendance and engagement
Education for sustainable development
Closing the awarding gap. Key contact: Anne-Marie Henderson, Director of Student Success & Engagement
Centre for Quality, Support and Development (CQSD)
The CQSD webpages host information including Awards and Recognition, training and guidance, sharing excellent T&L practice, Student Voice and Partnership and Technology Enhanced Learning. The webpages include links to the following areas within the Centre:
- Academic Development and Enhancement
These pages outline how CQSD provides pedagogic expertise, advice and guidance based on evidence, scholarship and experience of the local and wider context and the opportunities available. - Technology Enhanced Learning and Online Courses
The Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) team promotes and supports the effective and creative use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. These pages host practical guidance including teaching online, Blackboard, and professional development. - Quality Assurance and Policy
Policies and Procedures for Teaching and Learning
Funding and awards
At the University of Reading, we pride ourselves on the outstanding commitment of staff members who continually strive for excellence in teaching and learning.
The University and RUSU run various annual award schemes to recognise individuals’ achievements and reward their hard work. The awards are open for staff applications and nominations.
University awards and recognition
- University Collaborative Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning – open January to March
An award that recognises and rewards groups of staff who have made exceptional, significant and ongoing contributions to the student learning experience.
- University Teaching Fellowship scheme – open March to May
A prestigious award rewarded to individuals who have demonstrated individual excellence and made a significant contribution to the development of teaching and learning within the University.
National awards and recognition
- National Teaching Fellowship scheme (Expressions of Interest) - open September to October
A national scheme that celebrates excellent practice and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education. •
- Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) (Expressions of Interest) - open September to October
A national scheme that recognises and rewards collaborative work that has had a demonstrable impact on teaching and learning.
RUSU schemes
The RUSU Excellence Awards include awards which recognise University staff who display excellent and innovative teaching practice or provide excellent support to students. There are also two awards which recognise the work of Academic Reps.
RUSU holds the Partnership in Teaching and Learning Showcase annually to award deserving staff members and Academic Reps. The Showcase aims to highlight the importance of a collaborative effort and further encourage student-staff educational partnership to promote positive teaching and learning experiences. The showcase is also an opportunity for winners of RUSU Excellence Awards to share best practice with colleagues from across the institution.
Funding opportunities
- Teaching and Learning Innovation Funding scheme – open September
The T&L Innovation Funding scheme aims to support small-scale initiatives across the University that will enhance teaching and learning and/or the student experience.
- Partnerships in Learning and Teaching (PLanT) Projects Funding Scheme – open October to November
PLanT projects are small-scale initiatives which address the enhancement of teaching and learning priorities as identified by students and staff working in partnership.
- Teaching and Learning Enhancement Projects (TLEP) Scheme open February to April
The Teaching and Learning Enhancement Project (TLEP) is open to all staff who are involved in teaching and learning and are looking for 'start-up' funding for a project.
Key people in T&L