What is a micro-credential? 
A micro-credential is an official recognition of your achievements of a defined set of skills, knowledge, and/or competencies. Micro-credentials are different from more traditional learning experiences. A micro-credential may recognize learning obtained from a particular experience (workshop, module, on the job experience, volunteer work, formal education, etc.). They are designed to fit within busy schedules and adapt quickly to changing needs in the workforce. Micro-credentials can range from five to 288 hours in length (a nano-credential is recognized as ranging from two – five hours), are stackable with other micro-credentials (which lead to a ‘Super Badge’), and are portable, verifiable, and digital.  

Who can complete the micro-credential? 
Any graduate student at Trent University can complete the Introduction to Graduate Teaching micro-credential. If you are a new Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), you will be automatically enrolled in the Introduction to Graduate Teaching Micro-Credential and GTA Training site on Blackboard in late August. If you are a returning GTA, please email Dana Capell for information on enrolling in the micro-credential. 
 
Why should I complete the Introduction to Graduate Teaching micro-credential? 
GTAs provide direct instructions to thousands of Trent University undergraduate students each year. They lead discussions, facilitate lab sections, hold office hours, and mark student work. However, many GTAs come into their roles with little to no training in instruction or assessing student work. Indeed, a survey of GTAs conducted by the School of Graduate Studies (2023) revealed that most respondents wanted more training in advance of their teaching duties. Offered just before classes begin, this micro-credential provides GTAs with an orientation to their role and highlights crucial principles of instruction, assessment, and professionalism. Its goal to ease GTAs’ transition to their new roles as teachers and to improve the quality of instruction at Trent University. 

How do I complete the Introduction to Graduate Teaching Micro-Credential? 
The Introduction to Graduate Teaching has both asynchronous and synchronous requirements. All of the information and resources that you need to complete the micro-credential are contained on a Blackboard site titled “Introduction to Graduate Teaching Micro-Credential and GTA Training Module.” New GTAs are automatically enrolled in this Blackboard site and should see it on their course list by August 21. If you are not a new GTA and/or do not see this site by August 21, please contact danacapell@trentu.ca if you would like access.  

When Should I Complete the Micro-Credential? 
The Introduction to Graduate Teaching micro-credential is designed to be an orientation support for new GTAs. We recommend that you complete the micro-credential at the beginning of your first term as a GTA.  Some sections of the micro-credential, such as the asynchronous GTA Training Module and quiz can be completed any time. Other sections, like the synchronous orientation sessions, are only offered in September and January of each year. Final reflections are due before October 1 and February 1 of each year, and micro-credentials will be issued in November and March of each year. 

How does the Micro-Credential Differ from the Graduate Teaching Certificate?  
All graduate students can choose to complete both the Introduction to Graduate Teaching Micro-Credential and the Graduate Teaching Certificate; both programs are designed to support graduate students as they become teaching assistants at Trent University. Both include synchronous and asynchronous components, including the GTA Orientation (synchronous) and the Graduate Teaching Modules (asynchronous). However, the Introduction to Graduate Teaching Micro-credential is an orientation program best suited to graduate students who are beginning their graduate teaching roles, while the Graduate Teaching Certificate is best suited to more experienced GTAs who want to gain a deeper understanding of university teaching and learning. The Introduction to Graduate Teaching Micro-credential requires 10 hours to complete, while the Graduate Teaching Certificate required approximately 30-35 hours to complete.