Oxford Postgraduate Teaching Network
Supporting good practice in postgraduate teaching
Postgraduate taught programmes face unique challenges, requiring tailored approaches and solutions. A number of innovative approaches have been developed across the university and Oxford Postgraduate Teaching Network (OPTN) offers an opportunity to share that expertise and to develop new solutions.
The OPTN brings together academic and learning support staff involved in postgraduate taught programmes to share good practice, and provide resources and support for course design, teaching, delivery and assessment methods.
How does the OPTN work?
OPTN was established in Jan 2021 to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities for development in postgraduate teaching. Workshop and meeting themes have included
Diversifying assessment.
Developing critical thinking skills.
Helping tutors to support student mental health.
Developing a new PGT programme.
Inclusive postgraduate education.
Future themes will be determined by OPTN participants.
Format for meetings
Meetings are generally 90 minutes long and held on Teams, on Wednesdays, from 12.30pm - 2pm. Annual guest seminars and occasional workshops will be in person.
Presentations are recorded with permission and shared on the OPTN Canvas resource.
Each meeting might typically include:
- Short presentations related to the theme.
- Tutor and student perspective.
- Opportunity for small group discussions.
- Updates on continuing professional development opportunities for staff involved in PGT.
How can I find out more?
If you would like to receive invitations to OPTN events and notifications about related resources, please send an email to optn_oxford_postgraduate_teaching_network-subscribe@maillist.ox.ac.uk
Please contact Delia O’Rourke, Hubert Lam, or Barbara Zonta for further information.