Improving students’ learning, communication and interaction during their work placements - Cross Faculty SCEPTrE Fellowship Project 2010-11

Dr Jonathan Brown

The project adopts a holistic approach – whole person/whole system, to consider the ways in which students' experiences, while they are on placement (both year long and integrated clinical placements), might be improved through the integration of technology, pedagogy, tutor support, peer networking and on-line resources. The overall aim is to provide knowledge for better practice (where better includes – 1) improved student-tutor and student-student communication 2) enhanced opportunity for learning and improved learning outcomes 3) better value for the time and resources invested). It is intended that this research will be used to improve our systems of support for students on placement.

Centre for Educational and Academic Development (CEAD)

Vicki Simpson 

The Centre for Educational and Academic Development (CEAD) promotes teaching as a professional activity. We support the enhancement of teaching, learning and assessment and the evaluation of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Our aim is to work closely, collaboratively and strategically with Faculties to support them in their innovation, good practice and engagement with learning and teaching. We are working successfully in support of FHMS, with examples of activities being:

• FHMS staff have participated in a range of academic development opportunities provided by CEAD, such as the PG Certificate in Academic Practice, various Learning and Technology half and one day courses, and the Learning and Technology Practitioner Network.
• CEAD have supported FHMS staff in developing their practice (for example, developing reflective questionnaires for students on entry to HE; devising a programme for placement tutors; exploring alternative approaches to assessment; redesigning modules to use technology)
• CEAD contributed to the Faculty Teaching and Learning Away Day, and will help to provide some follow-on workshops to support priority areas