University Teaching Qualification (BKO)
The University Teaching Qualification (BKO)
What is the University Teaching Qualification?
The University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) is a nationally accredited teaching certificate that not only recognizes your existing skills but also celebrates them. The BKO trajectory offers you an exciting journey where you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your teaching practices, connect with like-minded educators, and further develop your role as a lecturer. It’s a chance to grow, innovate, and inspire—making teaching an even more rewarding experience.
What does the University Teaching Qualification program for the Faculty of Science entail?
The Faculty of Science offers a program that emphasizes practical teaching situations and the exchange of knowledge and experiences. The program begins with an individual intake interview, where the BKO candidate and a BKO coach plan the candidate’s trajectory. Following this, the program features various workshop days where lecturers collaborate and learn together. Each BKO candidate also develops a portfolio to showcase their teaching identity.
Who is the target group for the University Teaching Qualification?
The University Teaching Qualification is designed for all lecturers who develop course content, teach groups of students, and supervise students.
Who organizes the University Teaching Qualification program?
The University Teaching Qualification (BKO) program is hosted by the Teaching and Learning Centre at the Faculty of Science. It is organized by the BKO team, which includes BKO educators, coaches, support staff, and the BKO coordinator, Merel Pompe.
BKO trajectory FNWI
Intake Interview
You will be invited to an intake interview with one of our coaches. During this session, you’ll discuss your training needs and what is required to achieve the BKO. Agreements regarding your BKO trajectory and personal goals will also be established.
Workshops and Coaching
Based on the agreements made during the intake interview, you’ll follow an individualized program of workshops and coaching. Workshops on course design and testing & assessment are highly recommended.
Lesson Observation and Student Evaluation
You will observe a lecture given by another BKO participant and provide feedback. In turn, one of your lectures will also be observed. Students will evaluate these lectures, which will be recorded to aid in self-reflection. Based on video self-observation, as well as feedback from students and peers, you will write a reflection on your teaching.
Progress Meeting
You will have a progress meeting with your BKO coach. To prepare, complete as much of your BKO portfolio as possible. During this meeting, your portfolio materials will be reviewed and you’ll receive feedback on how they align with BKO requirements.
BKO Assessment
In your online BKO portfolio, you will compile all materials related to your BKO journey. This portfolio must be completed before submitting it for the BKO assessment. It will include evidence demonstrating your competencies as a teacher. The assessment will be completed with an in-person portfolio reflection with the assessors.
Accreditation
The BKO assessment is conducted by the independent BKO Assessment Committee at the Faculty of Science. This committee, which includes both Faculty of Science assessors and external assessors appointed for national quality assurance, will recommend you for a BKO certificate if you meet the requirements. The BKO certificate is a national certification recognized by all universities in the Netherlands.
The program starts twice a year at the beginning of each semester. The duration of the trajectory and the time investment required varies, most participants are able to finish their BKO trajectory in nine months.
There are five BKO competences you will be working on:
- Designing Courses
- Teaching
- Testing & Assessment
- Supervising Students
- Evaluate one’s own Teaching
What’s new?
This academic year (2024-2025) we’ve made a few changes in the BKO program. All participants that start from September 2024 onwards will join this program. Are you interested to know what has changed?
Click here to find all details.
All participants that started their BKO trajectory before September 2024 will follow their original program with the accompanied assessment method.
More information or any questions?
If you would like to know more about the BKO or enroll into the program, please contact BKO team.