An Innovative Delivery of Foundation Degrees; but not without its problems

Caroline WiscombePeter RobinsonDebra Wale

Objectives of today’s presentation

Introduction to the product Critical evaluation of the development

process Critical analysis of the issues arising

from the process Consideration of future horizons

Innovative Practice

Defined by Fleming and Cantwell (2005); includes ICT, blending of tutor delivered and remote study and teaching, learning

and assessment that are underpinned by subject based and pedagogic research. Partnership between three HEI’s under

an umbrella brand; UKTEP (United Kingdom Travel Education Partnership)

Wide consultation between and with employers

Work based learning and assessment

The product

Induction on site Teaching, Learning and assessment via

E-portfolio Study days Personal tutoring via email, through the

portfolio and by telephone Delivery and development shared

equally by three HEI’s www.wlv.ac.uk/eportfolio

The Development process – challenges faced (1)

Resources for planning in such a diverse framework Partnership between three HEI’s; cultural diversity Decisions on the form and scope of the programme – TSL

platform Resources for development (Human and Technical);

Subject specialisms and IT specialisms Regulations agreement between the three HEI’s Agreement on the validation method Charges and financial agreements Sector Skills frameworks

The Development process – challenges faced (2)

Levels of personnel involved and gaining agreement ‘up the line’

Materials development Costs of TSL training and ongoing development Changes of personnel and transitions Coaching and mentoring; lip service, resource Management of ‘change’; inter department, school,

university Working with Industry…….Time frames, culture, levels of

interaction, networks, strategic development, demand for what they want….’I don’t care what the issues are this is what we want!’…can HEI’s adjust to this?....speed of adaptation necessary

Best Practice Proactive tutor support Confidence building Relevance to the workplace Use of Eportfolio for reflective critique and PDP Positive comparison between this and the

traditionally taught module Effective management of a complex partnership Development of conference papers, a core text

book and published case studies aid reflection and development

All supported by research and positive feedback

Still to come

National Programme with a partnership of 8 HEIs True work based learning challenge ? – still some debate within

the programme Coaching and mentoring programme & research Retention and achievement – research of comparables amongst

this and traditional cohorts Personal tutoring – a step further in the process; development and

research project Wider developmental debate – the national scene. Further changes in culture and processes A second cohort of students…….. Progression into top up undergraduate and postgraduate

programmes in same delivery mode

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