LearnHigher
LearnHigher is a collaborative project involving 16 Higher Education Institutions in partnership with the Higher Education Academy, part of the CETLs initiative (Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning). Our aim is to investigate the effectiveness of resources and interventions to develop student learning. We are conducting research through practice-led enquiry in a broad spectrum of learning areas. All of the resources we develop are freely available for use or adaptation via the
LearnHigher website.
At the University of Reading, LearnHigher research is carried out by members of the
University Study Advice team. Although our research covers all aspects of learning development interventions, we have a specific focus on two learning areas: Report Writing and Time Management.
Research
Questionnaires, interviews and focus groups conducted with students, academic and support staff at the University of Reading have produced a body of data on the issues faced by students at university in the areas of time management and report writing. In particular, we have been interested in:
For report writing -
- What are the core features of reports?
- What are the similarities and differences between reports in different disciplines?
- Is it effective to teach report writing as an academic writing genre?
For time management -
- What are the best ways to deliver advice on effective time management?
- Which strategies are effective with particular issues such as procrastination, or dealing with distractions?
- How do needs differ amongst different student communities? (e.g. mature students, foundation students, postgraduates, part-time students etc)
Early results have been written up, and have informed the direction of our current research projects.
Ongoing information on projects and research can be accessed via the central LearnHigher website:
Report writing: Projects and research
Time management: Projects and research
Resources
As a result of our research, we have produced a number of peer-evaluated resources to support students and teaching staff in developing effective practices in report writing and time management. These include two comprehensive new websites with advice and resources for both students and staff: Time Management for University Students and Report Writing for University Students.
At Reading, LearnHigher research has informed the production of new resources and the revision of existing ones including:
- New folding Year Planners which will be available free to all Reading students from October 2008. More information on using the Year Planner
- New series of A5 Study Guides, including essay writing, dissertations, presentations, referencing and exam preparation as well as report writing and time management
- Completely revised Study Advice website
- New workshops on topics including critical thinking and understanding academic feedback
- Adaptable teaching resources for staff on report writing
- Video workshop resources on report writing and time management (in production)
The LearnHigher Room
Capital funding from the LearnHigher CETL has enabled the provision of an independent learning space, located in Room 104 on the 1st floor of the Carrington Building.
The LearnHigher Room is an adaptable space for up to 12 people with 6 networked foldaway PCs, larger work tables, a whiteboard and access to plasma screen for practice presentations. It can be used by individual students for quiet working (on a drop-in basis) or booked for group work/revision sessions (for up to 2 hours), or for small group teaching.
It is open for use from Mon-Fri during termtime, from 9.00 - 17.00, and by arrangement in the vacation.
Feedback collected from students shows the room's popularity!
For information on using the Room, or to reserve it for a group work or teaching session, call 0118 378 4242, or email studyadvice@reading.ac.uk.
Finding out more
For more information on the LearnHigher project at Reading and elsewhere, see the LearnHigher website.
If you are interested in becoming involved with the project, or would like to be kept updated on developments, contact the Project Co-ordinator, Dr Judy Turner.