This module introduces you to key contemporary factors which affect the design, delivery and evaluation of the curriculum within your own area. You are exposed to a variety of current political, organisational, legislative and other issues impacting on learning and teaching, such as the student experience, widening participation and diversity. You will evaluate the implications for learning and teaching and seek positive solutions to current challenges and problems

The assessment for this module is:
An electronic or paper-based poster presentation based on an evaluative project you have conducted on one or more of the key topics from the module (e.g. the student experience, widening participation, diversity) 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. The accompanying presentation should be 15 minutes maximum.
(Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4)

This module will be delivered through:
1. A series of structured workshops; possible delivery patterns may include 9 x 2 hour sessions or a variety of more intensive half day and full day workshops. The sessions include a variety of teaching and learning methods, such as 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 contemporary articles and papers.

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

Because this module focuses on contemporary issues in HE, websites and recent reports will be the most useful and up-to-date sources of information. The following may also be useful for reference:
Bell, L., Stevenson, H. and Neary, M. (2009). The Future of Higher Education. London: Continuum International Publishing Group.
Biggs, J. and Tang, C. (2011) Teaching for Quality Learning at University, Buckingham: SRHE and OU Press
Cowan, J. (2006) On Becoming an Innovative University Teacher, OU Press
Yorke, M. and Longden, B. (2004) Retention and Student Success in Higher Education, OU Press.

You will normally be engaged in teaching at higher / professional level for at least ten hours per month.