This module introduces you to the current institutional and externally driven factors which affect the design, delivery and evaluation of the curriculum within your own area. You are exposed to a variety of contemporary organisational and/or legislative issues impacting on learning and teaching. This module addresses key issues affecting learning and teaching and encourages you to seek positive solutions to current challenges and problems. In particular you will study the following specific topics:
? The changing context of Higher Education
? Student retention
? Widening participation and lifelong learning
? Quality assurance and enhancement
? Work-based learning
? The Customer Focused University
? Equal Opportunities and Diversity awareness
? Linking teaching with research

? Atkinson, T. and Claxton, G. (2003) The Intuitive Practitioner Buckingham, SRHE and OU Press
? Barnet,R. (2000) Realising the University in an Age of Supercomplexity Buckingham, SRHE and OU Press
? Biggs,J. (2002)Teaching for Quality Learning at University Buckingham, SRHE and OU Press
? Cowan, J. (2002) Becoming an Innovative University Teacher University Buckingham, SRHE and OU Press
? Knight, P. and Yorke, M. (2003) Assessment, Learning and Employability Buckingham, SRHE and OU Press
? Prosser, M and Trigwell, K.(2000) Understanding Learning and Teaching Buckingham, SRHE and OU Press
? Yorke,M. (1999) Leaving Early: Undergraduate non-completion in HE London, Falmer Press

This module will be delivered through:
1. A series of 9 x 2 hour structured workshops which are delivered on a weekly basis. The workshops include a variety of teaching and learning methods, including presentations by experienced practitioners, large and small group discussions, case studies and task-centred investigations. There is a strong emphasis on activity focused learning and participation.
2. A number of work-based tasks and self-assessments you are encouraged to undertake in order to augment your understanding of the complexity involved with student learning.
3. Independent study through which participants are expected to consolidate and build upon their learning from the taught sessions by reading key texts and journal articles.

The assessment for this module is:
A poster presentation based on an evaluative project you have done on one or more of the key topics from the module (e.g. student retention, widening participation, work-based learning) within the context of your own subject area. As part of the evaluation you are expected to identify suggestions for improvement which will impact on the student learning experience. (Learning outcomes 1,2,3 and 4)

The poster presentation will be assessed by 2 tutors from the programme.

University library for a range of learning and teaching texts and journals
Internet access enabling access to relevant websites