GOLD FAQs
University of Greenwich, EDU
Frequently asked questions
This webpage aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions relating to the GOLD programme and application process.
Some FAQs...
How do I find a mentor? Contact your Head of Department (if you are academic staff) or your Line Manager (if you are professional services staff) as they should have a list of all the fellows in your department. From this list, you can contact an appropriate colleague who knows you well. Please note that the colleague does not have to agree to be your mentor, as they may already have too many mentees or are unable to take on the role due to workload. If you are unable to access any fellows in your department, please contact the co-ordinators of the GOLD programme.
What is the difference between my mentor and referee? Your mentor must be based at UoG and hold an appropriate level of fellowship. This means that if you are applying for Associate Fellowship, your mentor must be at least an Associate Fellow. Your mentor is there to guide you through the GOLD process and help read through drafts of your submission. Your second referee does not need to be based at Greenwich and does not have to hold fellowship. The two references together should fully corroborate everything that is being said by the applicant in their submission.
What are the activities supposed to outline? The activities should (when read altogether) help to inform the GOLD panel of your role at UoG. The activities can be broken into separate duties which you carry out on a regular basis. Some examples may include: designing online resources for students, acting as course/programme leader, engaging with CPD workshops/training, marking and setting assessments.
What is expected of a case study? A case study (in this context) can be thought of as a critical reflection upon a particular experience/event which made an impact on your teaching practice and your students. The case studies can be extended from one or more of your activities. Don't feel that your case studies must all be tied up neatly with a bow at the end where everything in your reflection has worked out well. Your case study may focus on an activity which ended with unexpected or negative results, but you can discuss how you made an action plan to resolve future issues. The main focus of the case studies is less on 'what?' happened, and more emphasis on 'how?' and 'why?'
Is going through the verbal route easier than the written route? Both routes require detailed planning, engagement with suitable teaching and learning focused scholarship, and show a good effort to make appropriate claims to the UKPSF. If you are choosing the verbal route, the presentation must be focused as the panel are strict with timings. You must also present with supporting materials such as a set of slides/handout. This will be followed by a question and answer session.
How long will it take for me to complete my application? This really depends on you. Once you have all the evidence to hand and know which references you plan to include, some colleagues have completed an associate fellowship application over the course of a couple of weekends. Others have taken longer as the colleague may take long breaks in between working on their application. It is important to take the time to draft and re-draft your application, share the details with your mentor and take on feedback before submitting.
What is the difference between my mentor and referee? Your mentor must be based at UoG and hold an appropriate level of fellowship. This means that if you are applying for Associate Fellowship, your mentor must be at least an Associate Fellow. Your mentor is there to guide you through the GOLD process and help read through drafts of your submission. Your second referee does not need to be based at Greenwich and does not have to hold fellowship. The two references together should fully corroborate everything that is being said by the applicant in their submission.
What are the activities supposed to outline? The activities should (when read altogether) help to inform the GOLD panel of your role at UoG. The activities can be broken into separate duties which you carry out on a regular basis. Some examples may include: designing online resources for students, acting as course/programme leader, engaging with CPD workshops/training, marking and setting assessments.
What is expected of a case study? A case study (in this context) can be thought of as a critical reflection upon a particular experience/event which made an impact on your teaching practice and your students. The case studies can be extended from one or more of your activities. Don't feel that your case studies must all be tied up neatly with a bow at the end where everything in your reflection has worked out well. Your case study may focus on an activity which ended with unexpected or negative results, but you can discuss how you made an action plan to resolve future issues. The main focus of the case studies is less on 'what?' happened, and more emphasis on 'how?' and 'why?'
Is going through the verbal route easier than the written route? Both routes require detailed planning, engagement with suitable teaching and learning focused scholarship, and show a good effort to make appropriate claims to the UKPSF. If you are choosing the verbal route, the presentation must be focused as the panel are strict with timings. You must also present with supporting materials such as a set of slides/handout. This will be followed by a question and answer session.
How long will it take for me to complete my application? This really depends on you. Once you have all the evidence to hand and know which references you plan to include, some colleagues have completed an associate fellowship application over the course of a couple of weekends. Others have taken longer as the colleague may take long breaks in between working on their application. It is important to take the time to draft and re-draft your application, share the details with your mentor and take on feedback before submitting.
Contact information
The GOLD (Greenwich Opportunities in Learning and Development) Professional Development Framework provides a flexible route to professional recognition for all staff (academics and professional services), against the UKPSF, provided their role involves teaching or actively supporting learning.
Email: ed@greenwich.ac.uk
Website: https://www.gre.ac.uk/offices/edu/he/framework
Phone: +44 (0)20 8331 8000