Hi all,

I've just been offered an interview for a teaching fellowship, and they've asked me to give a 10-minute presentation on how I would teach (especially lecture) on an event of my choice (the post is related to European contemporary politics). I have taught the topic before, but only as a seminar leader - it's really quite different from the area I specialise in as a researcher. I have never given a lecture or attended a teaching fellowship interview before. To be honest I was quite surprised to be offered the interview!

Worse is the fact that the interview will be one week before my thesis submission deadline, which is pretty frightening! I knew this before applying, but really didn't think I'd get offered an interview so didn't give it much thought. Fortunately I'm nearly finished, but the time I will have to take out to devote to the presentation does mean the last week will be a little more frantic than I'd like.

I know this forum is mostly about research rather than teaching, but if any of you have ever given a presentation on teaching methodology before, especially for a fellowship, I'd really appreciate some tips, as right now I have no real idea of how I should go about this!

Thanks in advance!

Hi Littleowl,

This sounds eerily similar to my recent experience. I had my PhD viva scheduled for a day in December 2013, and then less than two weeks before that was offered an interview for a lectureship the very next day! Complete surprise... I was asked to give a 10 minute presentation in the field - not on teaching methodology, but an example short lecture I might deliver. However, following that, they asked me loads of questions on teaching.

I had had quite a lot of teaching (lab demonstrating), student supervision and assessment experience, but only about half a day's tutelage in my first year regarding "teaching methods". Not sure if you've had any, but if yes, you can draw on that. During my interview, I was asked a lot about teaching strategies and initiatives I would introduce, so felt a little out of my depth.

HOWEVER, during a presentation, YOU are in charge. And it is just a 10 minute talk, so you would only really be able to get two or three main points across. Draw on any teaching tuition you've had, and people always love anecdotes reflecting experience. Project yourself - that's what they want to see... and if the job's right for you, you'll get it!

I wish you luck.

Hi Simon,

Just wanted to thank you for your good wishes and your response - it was very helpful, and especially good to hear from someone else who has been in the same situation!

I had my interview this morning. The presentation actually went really well and I think I was able to articulate clearly my enthusiasm for the subject - although ironically I don't feel I performed as well on the questions themselves as I could have done due to focusing all my efforts on the presentation. So somewhat annoyingly, I suspect I might have lost out on the part that I actually have plenty of experience in dealing with!

Still, I haven't heard back yet, so hope remains. I'll post the outcome...

Hi littleowl,

My pleasure. I have my fingers crossed that you get positive news very soon. Also, hope you're doing well regarding getting your thesis finished/printed/bound/submitted. At least you can take a bit of a breather after that.

Hi Simon,

Thanks again. Unfortunately I heard back today that I was unsuccessful. I have asked for feedback so I'm hoping that will help me prepare better for the next opportunity.

I'm not feeling too disheartened about it, but at least I can now give my thesis my full attention (which is what I should be doing anyway!)