Module Resources
Well-stocked University library for a range of relevant texts and journals
Internet access enabling exploration of relevant websites
Blackboard for access to learning resources and Discussion Boards
PebblePAD to reflect on individual implications of learning.
Module Texts
Recommended Reading:
Macbeath, J. (2006) School Inspection and Self-Evaluation Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group.
Learmonth, J. (2000) Inspection ¿ What¿s in it for Schools? London. Routledge Falmer
Websites will be a particularly useful source to inform your research, such as:
Quality Assurance Agency:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk
Ofsted:
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/
Higher Education Funding Council for England
http://www.hefce.ac.uk
Skills Funding Agency:
http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/
Young People¿s Learning Agency
http://www.ypla.gov.uk/
Department for Education and Skills
http://www.dfes.gov.uk
Directgov
http://www.direct.gov.uk
National Student Survey
http://www.hefce.ac.uk/learning/nss/
Module Learning Strategies
You will attend 9 weekly sessions, followed by an assignment workshop. The sessions will be interactive, and will also incorporate relevant experts to introduce principles and practice in relation to assessment, evaluation and quality. You will work in collaborative groups to conduct the team project, and this will involve working face-to-face and in an on line Discussion Forum. You will work individually to conduct research and evaluation into relevant systems in your won work base, and this may involve interviewing relevant staff and reviewing documentation.
Module Additional Assessment Details
This module will be assessed by:
A team portfolio (70% - learning outcomes 1 and 2). This will comprise evidence from own workplaces regarding a selected evaluation or quality system and comparative analysis of the system in different educational environments. Teams will map the selected system against key issues such as design principles and impact on stakeholders, and produce an analysis of best practice. 1200 words.
An individual poster size A3 (30% - learning outcome 3). This will comprise an evaluation of the advantages and drawbacks of quality and evaluation systems in own environment, based on criteria derived from the principles explored during the module and the best practice identified during the team project; and an outline of proposals to enhance practice at institutional / departmental / individual level.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Typically participants will currently be working in an institution offering education to pupils or students.
Module Indicative Content
This module will introduce you to key principles in evaluation and quality systems. Based on these, you will examine and compare evaluation and quality systems in different educational sectors leading to a focus on practice in own education sector, and own institution.