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Preparing for Teaching & Learning

Supporting new staff

Here you can find practical steps to prepare teaching resources and your virtual learning environment. This page also includes links to pedagogical material and ‘how-to’ guidance.

It is designed for: 

  • staff who plan learning and teaching (e.g. Directors of Studies, Unit Conveners). 
  • new members of staff for orientation. 

Download the Checklist

Use our step-by-step list of tasks to help you get started.

Download

Overview

Navigate below by clicking on an accordion section. Use the download button above or in a section for the full checklist. The checklist and the short summaries cover the same material, with more detailed guidance in the full checklist. Choose which version works best for you.

Curriculum Design

  • Align your unit with the University’s curriculum design principles and overall course structure by reviewing relevant catalogues, learning outcomes, and skills maps.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Studies to discuss unit content, delivery, assessment, and adherence to principles on blended teaching.
  • Use feedback from previous Online Unit Evaluations to guide improvements.
  • Identify relevant student support services (e.g., Library, Skills Centre, Careers) and ensure accurate signposting in handbooks.

Planning Assessment

  • Align assessments with learning outcomes and ensure coherence across the course.
  • Coordinate with the Programme Administrator on submission logistics.
  • Provide clear briefs, marking criteria, and feedback, addressing academic integrity and support.
Download the checklist

  • Plan inclusive, accessible learning activities using appropriate technologies and ensure key resources are available.
  • Coordinate with colleagues and keep Moodle information clear and up to date.
  • Introduce the unit clearly, set expectations early, and share past feedback to support improvement.

More guidance on Learning Design

Download the checklist

Your Moodle Space

Moodle spaces should follow the Bath Blend Baseline to ensure a consistent and student-friendly design.

  • Ensure you have access to your unit’s Moodle space or contact the TEL team for new unit setup. Don’t forget to hide the space from students while making updates.
  • Update essential content such as timetable information, assessment details, and reading lists (via Library Lists), and remove placeholder text.
  • Use tools like Activity Completion and Moodle Groups & Groupings to support engagement and group work.

If you are new to Moodle, consider booking onto our TEL Bytes Webinars or watching past recordings to help you get started.

Upcoming events & webinars

Lecture Capture & Video Content

You may choose to record teaching or pre-record study materials (e.g. for flipped learning or revision) to support student learning, in line with the University of Bath Teaching Capture policy. Discuss plans with your Director of Studies for guidance, including on DAP policy.

Synchronous Online Learning

For some learning activities, it will be useful to set up live online interactive learning sessions (LOILs). These may be timetabled activities, or part of provision for part-time or distance learners. The main platform for synchronous online learning is Zoom.

Guidance on LOILs

Download the checklist

Students complete Online Unit Evaluations (OUE) each semester to give anonymous feedback on teaching, curriculum, and assessment. Departments provide guidance on collecting and responding to feedback. This infographic summarises the OUE feedback cycle, QA51 expectations for unit convenors, and advice from students.

  • Plan how you will gather mid-unit student feedback (e.g. stop-start continue), and when you will report back to students.
  • Set up Online Unit Evaluation for your unit in SAMIS (guidance requires VPN access). Make sure students are given reminders of the deadlines.
  • Share responses to student feedback via the appropriate channels (e.g. SSLCs, Academic Reps, Course Hubs in Moodle).
Download the checklist

Where can I get help?

See Moodle Guides for help with common queries.

Access professional development including

  • Workshops & Events.
  • self-paced training.
  • on-request workshops (for programme or department teams).

If you have a query that needs discussing, then you can arrange an online meeting with an Instructional Designer from the TEL Team for a 30-minute consultation. We can help staff with:

  • Tips and guidance for enhancing your Moodle pages
  • Advice on the effective design of learning materials
  • Guidance around digital accessibility
Book a One-to-One

Download the Checklist

Use our step-by-step list of tasks to help you get started.

Download

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