ROBERT AND SUSAN * AND THE QUEST FOR LEARNING AUTONOMY *With thanks (and apologies) to John Biggs, “Teaching for Quality Learning at University”.

Robert and Susan Less motivated, less committed, possibly not as academically bright, less developed background of relevant knowledge. Academically committed, motivated, clear career plans, has sound, relevant background knowledge, reflects on learning. “Good teaching is getting most students to use the higher cognitive level processes that the more academic students use spontaneously”* Responds to more active teaching methods, becomes more engaged, fulfils potential *Biggs again!

First year skills module (20 credits) Cumbersome paper-based portfolios Content/subject led What we did in the first year Same first year skills module ePortfolio tool PDP led but content/subject contextualised

The Scaffolding along the road to learning autonomy – first year BLACKBOARD Template Documents Detailed Teaching and Learning Schedule Seminars and Workshops Success Transferable skills Personalisation Motivating Starting point Gives structure Defines commitment Planned schedule of activities Opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Blogs and Wikis Peer support Communication Improved knowledge Personalised ePortfolio PDP skills Module success

What we did in the second year Removed the scaffolding Existing ePortfolio in place Employer needs driven Work/employer related knowledge Job skills Improved ePortfolio Interview and interviewing experience Reflective commentaries

We did this at school I already have an ePortfolio therefore I am an autonomous learner I already know how to do this This isn’t proper university work I didn’t think it would be like this Waste of time I’m too busy to mess about with this At least we don’t have to turn up every week Do you know what we are supposed to do? It doesn’t take long I’ll do this later on when I’m looking for a job Couldn’t get it to work Boring – doesn’t count anyway Do we get a mark for this? Do you know what they want us to write? My BLOG won’t work properly SOME THOUGHTS – first and second years!

We did this at school I already have an ePortfolio therefore I am an autonomous learner I already know how to do this This isn’t proper university work I didn’t think it would be like this Waste of time I’m too busy to mess about with this At least we don’t have to turn up every week Do you know what we are supposed to do? It doesn’t take long I’ll do this later on when I’m looking for a job Couldn’t get it to work Boring – doesn’t count anyway Do we get a mark for this? Do you know what they want us to write? My BLOG won’t work properly And then some more ….. this module has definitely widened my opinion about my own skills and how to improve them.. this module aims to develop essential but often overlooked skils The ePortfolio tool is a much more effective method of submitting work The ePortfolio is a dynamic and interesting way of students being assessed I have only recently learnt how important it is to evaluate. Doing this enables me to set myself new goals and improve my skills I found using the ELLI profile that I am less ‘resilient’ than anything else. This means that I find it hard to recover from disturbance, shock or insult, but this can be used in different fields. I believe [ePortfolio] is a very innovative idea that should have been introduced a long time ago. I think this module is the one I enjoyed the most … foundation degree, because it is a breath of fresh air when compared to …

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