Learn some teaching theory to enable you to plan for successful teaching

HAVING AN UNDERSTANDING of the theories of teaching and learning is essential for running successful workshops and other learning experiences with researchers. Although it may not be possible to follow a whole course on teaching, it is helpful to sign up for any opportunities which arise. Many universities run academic practice courses for new academic staff and will welcome participation by library staff too. As well as giving you the chance to learn, they are excellent opportunities to network and build relationships – connections made during a shared experience like this will put any future communications on a different footing, as you are much more likely to be perceived as an equal.

If such courses aren't available, there are many online opportunities. In recent years, several MOOCs (massive open online courses) relating to teaching skills have been produced and over the years initiatives such as EduLib (McNamara and Core, 1998) in the UK have also sought to encourage library staff to develop their teaching skills. There are also several excellent books on teaching skills for library staff – see, for example Allan (2013), Powis, Webb and Blanchett (2010) and Secker, Boden and Price (2007).

One of the outcomes from any practical course on learning to teach relates to planning for a teaching and learning event. Successful planning is essential to the success of any lecture or workshop. When planning, keep in mind at all times what you want your participants to learn. This will help you to keep the session focused; remember, it's not about you and what you are going to say and do, it's about the learners and what they will be doing and thinking. Using a planning tool can help you to consider all the aspects, such as content and messages, timing, environment, activities, resources and the participants themselves. Bear in mind, too, that however well you plan, the unexpected may happen and this often relates to the learners themselves, who may have come along with different expectations.