Professor Pauline Kneale, University of Plymouth
9.45 – 10.30, Weston Hall
Curriculum thoughts for the REF-TEF world
Download Professor Pauline Kneale’s PowerPoint Slides
Biography
Pauline Kneale studied at University College London and University of Bristol, and has held academic posts at Bristol University, Trinity College Dublin, Kingston Polytechnic and the University of Leeds, before moving to Plymouth in 2009. Her early research focused on water quality, chemistry and catchment management. Her hydrology and teaching and learning expertise was recognized through her Chair appointment as Professor of Applied Hydrology with Learning and Teaching in Geography. She was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2002.
Pauline established and directs the Pedagogic Research Institute and Observatory (PedRIO) at the University of Plymouth, one of the six cross Faculty University Institutes. Now in its eighth year, it has an excellent track record in developing staff as pedagogic researchers, and has developed a conference series which attracts staff from many Universities.
Pauline’s current research focuses on student skills, Masters level teaching, inclusive assessment and student’s experience of University. Recent research publications in collaboration with the PedRIO team and external partners have addressed: transition issues to university; the retention of non-traditional students; evaluating the role and impact of undergraduate research conferences; evaluating the impact of academic development interventions; and the position of pedagogic research in REF2014.
Professor Mariann Rand-Weaver, Brunel University London
13.30 – 14.15, Weston Hall
Integrated Programme Assessment (IPA): Reduced Assessment and Better Graduates
A modular approach to teaching and assessment does not facilitate synoptic and depth learning and students often adopt an in silo approach to their studies.
To address these issues, we have introduced IPA, a holistic and authentic approach to assessment that requires links to be made between individual subject topics, facilitating integration and application of knowledge. Graduates are more able to evaluate, communicate and make use of complex information.
IPA has reduced the assessment load for staff and students, resulted in a coherent programme within and between levels, and encouraged a collective responsibility for the success of the programme.
We have now graduated 3 cohorts from BSc Biomedical Sciences with an IPA structure and seen an increase in the proportion of students achieving 2:1 and 1st class awards; improved employability outcomes; and students are reporting that they feel better prepared for employment.
Biography
Professor Mariann Rand-Weaver was appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor at Brunel University London in October 2011. Previous roles at Brunel include Deputy Head of School of Health Sciences and Social Care, and Head of Biosciences (now part of the College of Health and Life Sciences). She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
With responsibility for quality assurance and for enhancing the educational provision, Mariann works with staff and students across the University to initiate exciting new projects to enhance the student experience, and ensure that Brunel meets external expectations. With a particular interest in curriculum design and authentic assessment, Mariann instigated and led the development of Integrated Programme Assessment in Biosciences, and with colleagues received an HEA Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence in January 2017, and Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Services to the University in July 2017. She is currently leading the Student Success Project aimed at closing the attainment gap, and the HEFCE-funded Digital Assessment project which is implementing electronic exams.
Student Union Presentation: Matthew Myles- Brown
15.45 – 16.15, Weston Hall
Determining our futures: developing creative professionals from a student perspective
In this plenary session, the students’ union hope to bring our unique insight to the ‘value for money’ conversation, share the views of UWL students and celebrate some of the amazing ways that colleagues are developing creative professionals.
UWLSU ranked top out of all HEI’s for student satisfaction in the NSS 2017, engaged 80% of all UWL students in our innovative programmes in 2017/18 and we are the first excellent students’ Union in a modern UK university.
Most of all, we believe in the power that our university has to help students be better placed to determine their futures. We’re excited to share our thoughts with you in this interactive session, informed by the views of thousands of students, international research and plenty of UWL colleagues too.
