Professional Standards Framework (PSF)

ZU operates in a unique context with a relatively homogenous group of students but a very international faculty complement. Our students typically speak Arabic as a first language and English as a second or third language. ZU has developed a Pedagogical Framework to help meet the challenges of teaching and supporting learning in the region.

Inspired by this framework, the CEI has developed the Teaching Practice Framework which is a set of actionable competencies that are contextually relevant to ZU students and faculty. The Innovative Teaching Program design is rooted in the development of these competencies by participants.

The CEI Teaching Practice framework has four areas of practice:

1. Pedagogical Practices
2. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
3. Professional Practice
4. Learning Context

The CEI competency framework maps directly onto the HEA UK Professional Standards Framework

Professional Standards Framework aims:

1. Supports the initial and continuing professional development of faculty engaged in teaching and supporting learning
2. Fosters dynamic approaches to teaching and learning through creativity, innovation and continuous development in diverse academic and/or professional settings
3. Demonstrates to students and other stakeholders the professionalism that faculty and institutions bring to teaching and support for student learning
4. Acknowledges the variety and quality of teaching, learning and assessment practices that support and underpin student learning
5. Facilitates individuals and institutions in gaining formal recognition for quality enhanced approaches to teaching and supporting learning, often as part of wider responsibilities that may include research and/or management activities. 

The PSF at ZU has four dimensions that make up professional practice within higher education teaching and learning support: 

1. Areas of activity
2. Core knowledge
3. Professional values
4. ZU Context

The UKPSF Dimensions and CEI-TPF Requirements