Wittenborg Welcomes Second Cohort to PGCert

18.09.2026

Second Cohort Starts Programme Designed to Enhance Teaching in Higher Education

On 8 September, Wittenborg welcomed the second cohort of its Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, with three lecturers beginning a programme focused on teaching, learning and assessment in higher education.

The online kick-off session introduced participants to the programme's modules, assessments and expectations for the year ahead. Opening the session, Dean Rauf Abdul welcomed Wittenborg's Vajihe Shojaei, Nikita Pahwa and Alexander Bauer, who make up this year's cohort.

The programme was then introduced by Deputy Head of School of Business, Dadi Chen, who outlined the structure of the course and guided participants through the learning journey ahead.

The new intake follows the completion of the programme by the first cohort, which included Wittenborg lecturers Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes and Hind Albasry.

For de Oliveira Menezes, the decision to enrol was driven by a desire to refresh and strengthen her teaching practice.

"The main goal was to update my knowledge and discover new methodologies that I could apply in the classroom in order to become a better lecturer," she said.

Looking back, she believes one of the programme's strengths is the opportunity it gives lecturers to step back and reflect on their teaching approaches at a time when both higher education and student expectations are changing rapidly.

"We need time to stop and reconsider the methodologies we apply in the classroom. The world is different, more dynamic, and students are different as well. They have easier access to information and are looking for more engaging classes and teaching methods. Therefore, in order to stay up to date, programmes like this are very important."

Among the aspects she found most valuable were learning more about artificial intelligence, gamification and new approaches to assessment.

"I was able to understand the theory and evidence behind my choices and identify the most appropriate solutions for different situations. I also improved my knowledge of AI, gamification as a strategy to attract students' attention, and new ways of assessing students."

That learning has influenced her day-to-day teaching practice.

"For example, I now use AI to generate new ideas and create infographics that I can use in the classroom to improve students' understanding of specific topics."

A similar theme of professional growth emerged from the experience of Albasry, who joined the programme to gain a stronger understanding of the educational theory behind effective teaching and learning.

"My academic background is mainly technical, and although I already had several years of teaching experience, I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the educational theories behind effective teaching and learning," she said.

Throughout the programme, she applied what she learned directly to her own modules. One outcome was the redesign of assessment within the Information Management module, introducing an individual reflective component alongside a group assignment to help students demonstrate their understanding more effectively.

According to Albasry, the changes had a positive impact on student performance, with the module's pass rate increasing from 35% to 95%.

Beyond the academic content, she said one of the most valuable aspects of the programme was learning alongside colleagues from different disciplines.

"It was valuable to share experiences with colleagues from different academic and professional backgrounds. We learned not only from the programme content but also from one another's teaching practices and perspectives."

She added that being part of the first cohort was particularly rewarding because participants had the opportunity to help shape the programme's future development.

For Pahwa, joining the second cohort is part of an ongoing commitment to professional development.

"I enrolled in the PGCert programme because I strongly believe in continuous learning and professional development as an educator," she said.

"In a rapidly evolving educational landscape shaped by AI and emerging technologies, I want to stay up to date with modern pedagogical approaches that ensure students remain engaged and learn effectively."

She added that she hopes the programme will help her further strengthen her teaching.

"I hope the PGCert will help me enhance my teaching effectiveness by providing evidence-based strategies for student engagement, assessment and curriculum design. I also see it as an opportunity to reflect on and continuously improve my teaching practice, develop as a more confident and reflective lecturer, and contribute more effectively to student learning and academic quality."

What comes next

Over the coming year, participants will complete three modules focused on teaching, learning and assessment in higher education, alongside a portfolio that encourages them to reflect on their own practice. Through assignments, discussion and critical reflection, they will explore new approaches to teaching while applying what they learn directly to their own classrooms.