Supporting and Developing Scholarship for HE in FE Allison Beard TQEF Project Manager Director ABC Consulting 1

Background In 2006 the College successfully secured Teaching Quality Enhancement Funding (TQEF) through a successful bid to HEFCE. The project proposal captured the vision of Dr. J. Logan Director of HE Development, to support the development of a culture of scholarship. The aims of the project: Define scholarship relevant to vocational higher education. Scope out the scholarly activities informing HE development and delivery at Blackpool and The Fylde College. Develop the scholarship base.

Defining Scholarship Relevant to Vocational Higher Education An extensive review of the literature was undertaken to provide a basis for the study. Focus groups were conducted in each of the schools to determine staff perceptions of; types and levels of; and barriers to engagement in scholarship. A scholarship survey was conducted with all staff involved in the delivery and development of higher education at the College. A scholarship framework was developed out of the initial research findings and subsequently an audit tool developed to undertake a scoping of scholarship in six academic Schools.

Scoping of Scholarly Activity Between 2007 and 2009 the tool was refined following an extensive pilot, and from consultation with academic staff in the Schools. In 2009 a more sophisticated tool (SARAD) was produced that could both audit and quantify scholarship within the institution. The tool enabled the production of evidence based scholarship profiles for each, lecturer and each School, whilst supporting individual lecturer reflection. The tool enabled staff to identify their scholarship development needs and to locate their scholarship and academic practice within the UK Professional Standards Framework for lecturers in higher education

Developing The Scholarship Base SARAD tool findings have informed the scholarship development strategies such as: The Scholarship and Research Development Scheme (SRDS). A Scholarship Poster Exhibition, and The Scholarship Review an in house journal. http://www.blackpool.ac.uk/university/development

Results Identification of scholarship development needs Continuing Lecturer Education (CLE) programme Energised individual practice Innovative projects with direct measurable impacts on achievement, retention and progression to HE 75% growth in scholarly activity over three years

The Scholarship and Research Audit and Development (SARAD) Tool

A Taxonomy of Scholarship Relevant to Vocational Higher Education Through the processes of enquiry, research and consultation the project team have developed a Taxonomy of Scholarship to underpin the use of the SARAD tool. Beard et al (2010), Fundamentals for Future Academic Practice in the Knowledge Economy, Blackpool and The Fylde College Scholarship Review, Vol 1 Issue 2; Pages 21-35. http://www.blackpool.ac.uk/university/development/review The Taxonomy of Scholarship provides a framework enabling lecturers to accurately identify and qualify their scholarly activities.

The UK PSF and Professional Recognition The SARAD tool enables academic staff to identify and rationalise their current professional profile in terms of the UK Professional Standards Framework. Support individual application to the Higher Education Academy for professional recognition and individual membership.

The PSF: 6 Areas of Activity Curriculum design Teaching and/or supporting student learning Assessment and giving feedback to learners Developing effective environments and student support and guidance Integration of scholarship, research and professional activities. Evaluation of practice and continuing professional development

The SARAD Tool in Action Andrew Smith, Debra Swift Blackpool and The Fylde College

Interpreting Standards Unlocks and Changes Practice Development Needs Time Fear of Failure Confidence IfL Academic Self-Concept HEA Fellow Status SARAD Interpreting Standards Aspiration & Ambition Motivation Workload Not What We Do! Unlocks and Changes Practice

Thank You Allison Beard abea@blackpool.ac.uk Andy Smith asm@blackpool.ac.uk Debra Swift dswi@blackpool.ac.uk