university of leeds curriculum enhancement project enhancement themes conference 8 march 2012...
TRANSCRIPT
University of LeedsCurriculum Enhancement Project
Enhancement Themes conference8 March 2012
Caroline Letherland and Chris Warrington
Curriculum Enhancement Project
Working in partnership with staff, students and employers to ensure the academic excellence and contemporary relevance of our undergraduate programmes; leading to graduates who are capable of articulating the benefits of a Leeds research-based education and understand how this prepares them to compete successfully in the employment market.
curriculum.leeds.ac.uk
Context
• Research intensive institution• Large scale: 30,000 students;
7,500 staff• Key strategic project for
Student Education, sponsored by PVC Student Education, Prof. Vivien Jones
• Academically driven and led by Pro-Deans Student Education, but with administrative input
• Working in partnership with LUU to bring academic and student perspective together
UG curriculum:What are the drivers?
• HE landscape is changing• Shift in student motivation for coming to
university• Improved articulation of our ‘value
proposition’ in an increasingly competitive market
• Employers are looking for more rounded graduates with flexible skills and attributes
• Is assessment fit for purpose to measure our graduate attributes?
• Greater clarity around information and guidance to support student choice
Where do we want to get to?
Within all UG programmes:
• Students understand the value of a research-based education
• We are clear about the themes that are distinctive to all programmes, regardless of the discipline
• Deeper learning and less ‘pocketed knowledge’
• Equity of experience - all students have exposure to broadening opportunities
• An opportunity for placement learning/study abroad exists
Progress and achievements
• Communication: project website; use of existing committee structures and academic fora; facilitation of discussions to get consensus at an institutional level
•Agreed & defined the Core Programme Threads (CPT) Employability, Global and Cultural Insight & Ethics and Responsibility
• Gained support for the principle of broadening ‘strands’ linked to elective modules
• Discussions held on the structure of the academic year
Challenges
• Sometimes feels like herding cats!
• Getting beyond the silo mentality
• Maintaining momentum
• Minimising duplication or conflict with other activities
• Getting ‘non engaged’ student interest and input
