Teaching and Learning Seminar Series
2011/12 Seminars
In 2011/12 CDoTL are running the following Teaching and Learning Seminars, places at which should be booked through CSTD
Coming soon
Week 6
31st May - 'Developing Independent Learning skills'.
Dr Elizabeth Page is hosting an HEA STEM Workshop on Developing Independent Learning Skills in the Physical Sciences.
This is sponsored by the new HEA Stem subject group and is of relevance across a variety of disciplines.
There is no charge for this workshop, lunch and refreshments are provided.
If you would like to attend some or all of the event please email Judy Butler (j.m.butler@reading.ac.uk) to register.
2012
2nd May
Exploring Student Engagement at Reading and Beyond
On 2nd May Dr Catherine Bovill from the University of Glasgow gave a keynote session on her research into different levels of student participation in curriculum design followed by questions and discussion. This was an afternoon event to showcase examples of research and good practice in the area of student engagement from Reading and elsewhere and provided opportunities for reflection and discussion. There were also a selection of case study presentations on student engagement in the following areas: programme evaluation and feedback, course design and the development of teaching programmes; research projects within and beyond the curriculum. For further information on the event please see our final programme. Please also click on the below links to see the PDF slides from the day.
- Dr Catherine Bovill (keynote presentation) - Students and staff co-creating curricula: possibilities and practicalities
- Helen Bilton - Are we serious about listening to our students? Effective staff-student liaison
- Dr Richard Mitchell - Assessing student engagement to inform feedback at Part One
29th February
Self- and Peer-Assessment in Practice
On 29th February Dr Paul Orsmond from Staffordshire University visited the University to talk about the rationale, use and implementation of self- and peer-assessment. In his talk Paul drew on examples from the new edition of the HEA Centre for Bioscience 'Guidance for Practice: Self- and Peer-Assessment' resource, which is available to download at http://www.bioscience.heacademy.ac.uk/resources/guides/selfpeerassess.aspx.
Slides from Paul's seminar can be found by clicking on this link: Self and Peer Assessment in Practice
2011
8th December
Transitions and Trajectories
Speaker: Mantz Yorke, Professor of Higher Education
Over 30 members of academic and student support staff attended the Transitions event on 8th December 2011, led by external speaker Professor Mantz Yorke, which explored the relationship between student satisfaction and expectations and that between student engagement and motivation. Professor Yorke also offered an insight into his current research project with Liverpool John Moores University on what is described in the American literature as the 'sophomore slump'.
30th November
T&L Debate: Should Part One Count Towards the Final Degree Classification?
On 30th November 2011, University staff and students came together in the Madejski Theatre to debate whether the marks from Part One should contribute to students' final degree classification. Arguing for the motion were Dr Matthew Nicholls (Classics), Dr Marina Della Giusta (Economics) and Liam Burns (President, NUS). Opposing them were Tony MacFadyen (Education) Prof Will Hughes (CME) and Natalie Tremlett (student). The debate was chaired by Professor Tony Downes. Both sides put forward cases that were eloquent, persuasive and often humorous, eliciting many pertinent comments from the audience. The final vote on the motion was as follows:
For - 24 Against- 31 Unsure - 6
Feedback from the debate has been extremely positive with agreement that the event was a useful consultation exercise and a valuable precursor to further University discussion on the issue. The inclusion of the student voice on this issue in particular was welcomed. For more detailed information on the arguments presented please read our Part One debate summary or watch the debate at www.ruon.tv/partonedebate.
Hearing Voices? Involving students in curriculum design and development and other things academic
Speaker: Jenny Eland, Centre for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching, Birmingham City University
Can students become co-creators rather than just consumers of their education?
There is growing recognition that learners are able to contribute proactively to enhancing their curriculum. This seminar will explore not only why it is important for students to be more actively and meaningfully engaged in shaping the curriculum but also how to enable and encourage colleagues to hear and use the student voice in course/module design and development.
Hearing Voices? Involving students in curriculum design and development
Learning and Teaching with Technology: Helping Not Hindering?
Speaker: Professor Shirley Williams, University of Reading; National Teaching Fellow
Everywhere we look there seems to be technology: some students and staff embrace this, others are terrified, while most are somewhere in between wondering what to adopt and whether the challenge will be worth the effort.
In this seminar we will look at examples where technology is really helping students and staff become better learners and teachers; where it may not; and ponder what the future may hold.
Learning and Teaching with Technology: Helping Not Hindering?
An exploration into new adventures in learning for Part One students
Speaker: Dr Colin Beard, Sheffield Hallam University
The inaugural Learning and Teaching seminar was an opportunity to discuss how to challenge and stimulate students, particularly at Part One. The speaker was Dr Colin Beard. Colin is a National Teaching Fellow and Senior Lecturer in the Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University. His research focuses on experiential learning. Dr Beard has presented a number of keynote addresses, including Transforming the student 'Experience'?, at the HEA Annual Conference in 2008 and is internationally recognised for creative teaching and learning techniques.
Learn to work, work to learn: Enhancing the learning experiences of all students through work-based learning
Speaker: Professor Stephen Gomez, University of Plymouth
The seminar was an opportunity to discuss how the learning experiences of all students (in particular, those on non-vocational programmes) can be enhanced by work-based learning. The speaker was Professor Stephen Gomez. Stephen is a National Teaching Fellow and Head of Work-Based and Placement Learning at the University of Plymouth, wherein he oversees student work placements and liaises with businesses about continuing professional development and lifelong learning aspects in degree courses. Previously, Stephen was Principal lecturer in neuroscience at the University of the West of England.
Assessment is not up to the mark: Engaging students with assessment and feedback
Speaker: Dr Chris Rust, Oxford Brookes University
The seminar looked at how students can become more involved with the assessment and feedback cycle in order to improve their marks and engage with their learning. The speaker was Dr Chris Rust. Chris is a Deputy Director at ASKe (Assessment Standards Knowledge exchange), the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Oxford Brookes University Business School. In addition to assessment, Chris' work focuses on new teachers in Higher Education and the use of workshops for staff development. Chris is a fellow of the Staff and Educational Development Association and a registered practitioner and accreditor for the HEA.
Academic Promotion based on learning and teaching
Speaker: Dr Jon Scott, University of Leicester
Dr Jon Scott has conducted extensive research in this area. He came to talk about staff perceptions regarding promotion criteria and on the weighting institutions attach to learning and teaching.