DRA Train-the-Trainer program #7 (Aachen, DE)

1 Sept 2025, 09:00 → 3 Sept 2025, 17:30 Europe/Zurich

Improve your training skills and become a trainer at the Digital Research Academy!

Apply by July 25

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This TTT will consist of one online Kick off session (Aug 12 16:00-18:00 CEST) and a 3-day onsite meeting in Aachen, Germany (Sep 1-3).

Overview of the TTT program

Part 1: Didactics (August/September)

• Kick-off (online): Intro to DRA, how-to-trainer, determining didactics session topics.
• Session with an expert on evidence-based training
• Onsite TTT sessions where we teach each other (didactics sessions)
   

To finish part 1, each new trainer needs to participate in: 

1. Kick-Off session, 
2. Evidence-based training session, 
3. Onsite didactics session with the creation + preparation of one didactics lessons. 
4. Design your practical course session

Part 2: Practicals (Sep-November)
In this part we will put our new knowledge into practice by preparing & teaching a course. Courses may be taught alone or in pairs. 

The format and type of course can be freely chosen. At least two other trainers serve as peer reviewers and give feedback on the course.

To finish part 2, each new trainer needs to:

1. prepare and conduct a course,
2. work in the feedback of reviewers into the course,
3. publish the course materials as part of the Digital Research Academy resource collection, and
4. serve as reviewer of at least two courses of peers.

For more details, see https://digital-research.academy/train-the-trainer 

Costs 

The Train-the-Trainer program is free for prospective trainers wanting to join the Digital Research Academy trainer network.

Travel, accommodations, and meals are self-paid by the participants.

Important Dates

Jun 30	Applications open
Jul 25	Last day of application (23:59 CEST)
Jul 31	Notification of accepted applicants
Aug 12	Online Kickoff Session
Sep 1-3	Onsite Didactics Sessions (TTT Part 1)
Sep-Nov	Practicals (TTT Part 2)

 

Monday 1 September

10:00 → 16:00 Didactics: Day 1

10:00 Orientation

Welcome and Introductions
Agenda Overview/Refinement

10:20 Evidence Based Training

How Learning Works - 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching

1. Why Do Students’ Identities and Stages of Development Matter for Learning?
2. How Does Students' Prior Knowledge Affect Their Learning?
3. How Does the Way Students Organize Knowledge Affect Their Learning?
4. What Factors Motivate Students to Learn?
5. How Do Students Develop Mastery?
6. What Kinds of Practice and Feedback Enhance Learning?
7. Why Does Course Climate Matter for Student Learning?
8. How Do Students Become Self-Directed Learners?

This session also includes a 15 min break.

Speaker: Danny Garside

12:20 Lunch

13:40 Didactics Session 1: How to engage participants & be approachable

Speakers: Elio Balestrieri, Lisa Spitzer

15:25 Break

15:45 Onboarding as a DRA Freelance Trainer

Resources for DRA Trainers (Wiki, Mattermost, GDrive, Trainer Meetups, etc.)
Where to find stuff and who to ask

19:00 → 21:00 (Optional) Dinner: Day 1

Tuesday 2 September

10:00 → 16:00 Didactics: Day 2

10:00 Didactics Session 2: Teaching by making mistakes

Speaker: Raniere Silva

11:45 Lunch

12:45 Didactics Session 3: Make presentations look pretty (and shareable)

Speaker: Ulli Steindl

14:30 Break

14:45 Course Design Part 1

Learning Objectives/Outcomes Overview
Intro to Course Template
Working on our Part 2 Practial Course Workshop Ideas

15:30 Onboarding as a DRA Trainer

How to associate with the DRA, get jobs through DRA/trainer matching process, share opportutnies with other trainers, etc.

19:00 → 21:00 (Optional) Dinner: Day 2

Wednesday 3 September

10:00 → 16:00 Didactics: Day 3

10:00 Didactics Session 4: Using LLMs to strengthen trainings

Speaker: Lukas Wallrich

11:45 Lunch

12:45 Flexible time

Speaker: Heidi Seibold (Digital Research Academy)

14:30 Break

14:45 Course Design Part 2

Give each other Feedback,
Work on course descriptions
Organizing TTT Part 2 sessions

15:45 Wrap Up and Farewell