Faculty Learning Program (FLP)

The Faculty Learning Program (FLP) is designed to introduce new full-time faculty members to their roles at Algonquin College. It focuses on advanced teaching theories and skills, building a community of practice with other faculty, and contributing to teaching excellence at Algonquin College.

The program runs over two semesters in two courses (FLP0001 and FLP0002) and culminates in participants creating and sharing an original contribution to teaching and learning.

FLP0001 Advancing your Instructional Techniques runs in the Fall and Winter semesters on Wednesdays from 9am-12pm, with an additional hour of asynchronous hybrid learning.

FLP0002 Independent Instructional Development runs in the Winter and Spring semesters in an asynchronous format with optional synchronous check-ins.

For each course, four (4) hours of complementary function hours should be added to the SWF.

Courses

FLP0001: Advancing Your Instructional Techniques

Faculty development is an integral part of being a full-time professor at Algonquin College, and consists of critically reflecting on one’s teaching practice, examining pedagogical frameworks, contributing to a community of practice, and exploring college services and supports that enrich the academic environment.

Participants examine core components of teaching and learning, such as Andragogy Learning Theory, Universal Design for Learning, assessment strategies, curriculum design, and digital teaching, all through the lens of adult learning and student success principles. Through a combination of in-class discussions, hybrid activities, guest presentations, and reflective practice, participants situate their teaching practice within the contexts of outcomes-based education, the college environment, student-centred learning, and their own teaching values.

FLP0002: Independent Instructional Development

Project-based learning supports faculty learners to pursue intrinsic research interests, enrich their knowledge, and expand their teaching practice. FLP participants will research a teaching and learning topic of their choice and contribute to the field of faculty development by sharing the results of their learning journey with a target audience. Under the guidance and coaching of the FLP0002 facilitator, participants determine the focus and scope of their project, set goals and milestones, engage stakeholders, and execute their plans.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of FLP, participants demonstrate the ability to:

  1. Reflect on one’s teaching practice within the context of relevant college academic policies and strategic plans.
  2. Develop one’s digital teaching proficiency through the use of college-approved technologies.
  3. Prioritize a commitment to continuous improvement and critical reflection in one’s teaching practice.
  4. Examine inclusive teaching strategies that support student success and academic belonging.
  5. Examine a variety of assessment strategies that support student success in outcomes-based education.
  6. Describe principles of accessibility in learning design.
  7. Identify opportunities for contributing to activities that enrich the college academic experience for learners and/or staff.
  8. Evaluate curriculum materials for alignment with approved learning outcomes.

These outcomes are mapped to the program as follows:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
FLP0001: Advancing Your Instructional Techniques X X X X X X X X
FLP0002: Independent Instructional Development X X X X X X X X

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate in the Faculty Learning Program?

New full time professors and instructors who have never taken Faculty Learning Program at Algonquin College.

When are the intakes for the courses?

FLP0001: Fall and winter semesters

FLP0002: Winter and spring semesters (pre-requisite: completion of FLP0001)

For more information about intakes, please contact the FLP coordinator Will Hennessy at hennesw@algonquincollege.com

I’m fairly new to teaching. Will I still be learning about “advanced” teaching topics?

Yes! Although the courses start at a higher level than the Introduction to Teaching at Algonquin College (ITAC) program, the program is designed with rich peer interactions and support built in to ensure no one is left behind.

My annual leave scheduling might make it difficult to take the courses consecutively. What should I do?

The program is designed to allow faculty to complete the courses in whichever semester they are on campus. If you begin the program in Fall and take your annual leave in the Winter, you will be invited to complete the second course when you return the following Fall.

How many hours will be added to the SWF for FLP 1 and FLP 2?

For each course, faculty will receive four (4) hours per week as a complementary function on the SWF.