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Structure of the Academic Year Stage 2, January – June 2005 Background for Working Groups. Process of review. Stage 1 (Jan-Dec 04) Rationale for a 2 block structure (consultation through Schools, PME, Senate and Boards of PME) Stage 2 (Jan-May 05) Propose a revised structural model
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Structure of the Academic Year Stage 2, January – June 2005 Background for Working Groups
Process of review • Stage 1(Jan-Dec 04) • Rationale for a 2 block structure (consultation through Schools, PME, Senate and Boards of PME) • Stage 2(Jan-May 05) • Propose a revised structural model • Develop academic benefits • Consider the change process and business benefits • Final proposal • Decision
Objectives of 2 BlockStructure Primary objective to enhance student learning Secondary objective to improve business opportunities
Background Research and Experiences of other HEIs – Academic Benefits A 2-block structure with long study periods and large modules • develops skills relating to understanding, analysis and application • provides scope for timely and informative feedback • produces more cohesive and integrated courses with greater emphasis on course objectives (as opposed to module content) • affords opportunities for different types of assessment • accommodates different learning styles
Background Research and Experiences of other HEIs – Business Benefits 2 block structure – why? External • Semesters are the preferred model: locally, nationally & internationally • Increased scope for collaborations and student/teacher mobility • Concentrated teaching period provides more uninterrupted time for research, conferences etc Internal • Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of admin and information systems and of space utilisation
Preferred Model* Academic year – 30 weeks of 40 hours = 1200 SEH Block 1 Block 2 11 T 2A 11 T 6A Xmas - ? wks Easter -? wks 3 (x 200 SEH) modules 3 (x 200 SEH) modules Stages 1 & 2 2 (x 300 SEH) modules 2 (x 300 SEH) modules Stages 3 - 5 100 SEH as exception *University of Edinburgh/University of Dundee
Emerging Areas of Consensus • No more than 4 modules per block • Modules probably 200 and 300 SEH, but 100 exceptionally permitted • Modules can be full year or half year • Block 1 assessments should be completed before Christmas • Course teams should review each course as part of the change • Implementation date should not impact on the RAE (From: PME, Senate, LTB, RCB, Students Association)
Implementation? • Principal wants the planning process to consider Oct 2006 • View from Senate and RCB: no impact on RAE, ie October 2007 • Sufficient time for staff to undertake curriculum review and redesign (otherwise it becomes a form-filling process) • New student information system will not be implemented in October 2006 (as originally planned; no date set)
Stage 2 • Steering Group on the Structure of the Academic Year (reports to Learning and Teaching Board; LTB tasked by PME to take forward development of business & implementation plan) • 3 working groups tasked with stage 2 activities (report to Steering Group) • Business Plan: to produce a business plan on the management process of moving to a 2 block structure • Academic Structure: to develop the structural model & academic infrastructure • Pedagogical Advice: to provide guidance on how the academic benefits (enhanced student learning, improved retention ..) can be realised