Teaching and Learning projects

How does the FLAIR scheme work?

The FLAIR Framework has two pathways: the APP (Academic Practice Programme) and CPD (Continuing Professional Development). Both pathways are accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA),  the national agency for the promotion of teaching excellence in higher education. 

The APP is for staff at the beginning of their academic career or for those with relatively little teaching experience. The APP is the taught route and consists of two modules leading to Fellowship of the HEA.

The CPD route is a non-taught pathway and allows experienced staff with no teaching qualifications to gain professional recognition for the work they do in teaching or supporting learning. The scheme also allows existing Fellows to apply for the higher levels of HEA Fellowship.

How does the FLAIR scheme benefit you?

As well as ensuring the University workforce is better qualified, the FLAIR scheme benefits both students and staff. 

As a student at the University you can ensure your teachers are engaged and enthused by their subject, and have appropriate qualifications.

As a member of staff you will see recognition for your work and receive a relevant teaching qualification. 

Since the FLAIR Scheme began in January 2015, more than 120 members of staff have had their commitment and experience recognised by the HEA.

For more information on FLAIR, please visit our website.

If you have a specific question, please contact David Carter, Teaching and Learning Dean.

How do we intend to improve student satisfaction?

To help support schools and departments in achieving the targets set by the A&F project, the Centre for Quality Support and Development (CQSD) offer a range of sessions, showcases and events to enable staff to share good practice and develop appropriate actions for their own programmes.

In early 2016, schools and departments reviewed their own practices, highlighted areas for concern, suggested improvements and developed individual action plans. In addition to these actions, key areas for development this year include:

• Student engagement
• Assessment literacy.

Assessment literacy is the understanding of and competence in handling assessment, feedback and setting objectives. Assessment literacy is for both students and staff and is built through student engagement.

What does improved assessment and feedback mean for you?

The benefits of increased student engagement and assessment literacy can help ease anxieties and outline exactly what is required of the individual, whether a student or member of staff. Effective feedback and the setting of objectives makes the next steps in learning clearer to the student.

For more information on Assessment and Feedback, please contact Dr Elizabeth McCrum, Teaching and Learning Dean.

Why do we invest in TEL at the University?

As a University in the 21st century we want to keep to date and to innovate with new and emerging technologies and explore how they can be used to support and improve the learning experience.

How are we taking TEL forward?

We are continually developing and expanding our range of technologies for staff and students, including those which support digital communication and collaboration, the online delivery of teaching content and learning activities, and online assessment and feedback. 

As part of the Curriculum Framework we are constantly developing the curriculum and degree courses, ensuring they incorporate all the opportunities that technology offers.  Most recently we have introduced new tools and specialised professional development and training for staff which has led to the widespread use of online assessment, marking and feedback.

We have created a professional development programme to support staff and help them develop their digital skills, make the best use of technology, and apply innovative approaches to their teaching.  

We have created high-quality online guides and support for our students enabling them to learn and study effectively in the digital environment

We are recognised as world leaders for our Open Online Courses project which provides learning opportunities to a global audience.

Benefits to staff and students

Staff can use a range of exciting technologies to teach, assess and provide feedback to students.  They have the support of digital learning experts in developing their skills and the curriculum.

Student have a modern, innovative and varied learning experience, accompanied by excellent support and guidance to help them be successful learners.

Read the University’s vision for Technology Enhanced Learning.

Meet the Technology Enhanced Learning team.

For more information on TEL, please contact Vicki Holmes, Head of Technology Enhanced Learning.

What is the Learning Gain project?

Our Learning Gain project is part of a larger programme of work to investigate the different ways of capturing educational outcomes and understanding how students benefit from higher education. Results from this project, together with those from other pilot schemes, will feed into ongoing debates about the quality and impact of higher education, and how we measure its value.

We will use a range of systems and instruments to assess what is the right combination for the measurement of learning gain. Using degree results; student surveys, the UK Engagement Survey (UKES) for instance; and CLA+ (a standardised test developed in the USA for measuring critical thinking, analytical reasoning and written communication skills) we will measure elements like student attainment, student engagement, student satisfaction, student wellbeing, and critical thinking skills. 

Why do we measure learning gain?

The project is seen to have benefits for both the University and the wider higher education community. Ultimately, we will have a better understanding of what students gain in knowledge, skills, work-readiness and personal development during their time in higher education. This information can then be used to inform on new programmes, teaching practices, and improving the student journey.

For more information on the Learning Gain project, please contact Dr Amanda Callaghan, Teaching and Learning Dean .