Dr Seán Bracken, Institute of Education writes: It is conference season once again in the UK and this provides a welcome opportunity to recharge the intellectual batteries and to garner new ideas for the future of learning, teaching and assessment. In an increasingly competitive and individualised environment, the past week (w/c 26 June 2017) has been one exemplified by all that is good in the sector, including generosity of collegiate learning and a willingness to provide insights to what works in differing universities across the country. Setting a roadmap for inclusion in Scotland Towards the latter part of the week, I attended a conference hosted by Higher Education Teaching and Learning (HETL), an international organisation that facilitates cross-global learning in Higher Education. This year, the… Read moreInclusive praxis, the university moral imperative of our time

The University is delighted to have achieved Silver in the first TEF assessment. The award is valid for up to three years. As for all other HE Institutions in England and Wales, the TEF Panel reviewed the provider metrics and provider submission according to the process and criteria specified in the TEF guidance. The TEF ‘statement of findings’ (the conclusions of the TEF Panel based on consideration of our metrics and submissions) is as follows:

A project to ascertain first year students’ views on their experiences during the first six weeks of study at the University has now reported. The project aimed to identify student perceptions of good practice and potential improvements. The focus on the first six weeks is important because of the vital and formative period in which expectations and good study habits can be established. Thirty-eight first year students, twenty-two male and fourteen female, provided feedback.  The sample included students from all six UW institutes, with international and disabled students represented in each group. Participants took part in focus groups to consider experience in relation five key areas: staff expectations (inside and outside the classroom), teaching methods, support and guidance, the online learning environment and learning spaces…. Read moreFirst six weeks project

Last month the Higher Education Statics Agency (HESA) published the most recent set of performance indicators for higher education providers, including data on retention, or more precisely, non-continuation of students in the year following entry to higher education. Performance indicators are benchmarked to allow meaningful comparisons between providers by taking into account the different mix of students at each provider. A summary of how the University is doing on retention follows: