Academic review of HE in FECs. Student support: an overview Alan Bradshaw Assistant Director QAA

Academic review of subjects Directly funded provision Groups of subjects reviewed over 2-3 years Peer review Quality and standards

Standards Intended learning outcomes (ILOs) Curriculum Assessment Achievement Threshold judgement

Quality of learning opportunities Teaching and learning Student progression Learning resources – includes staff Each aspect has separate judgement: commendable, approved, failing

Strengths Use of practitioners in creative and performing arts Vocational relevance Range of specialist facilities/colleges Flexible patterns of delivery Approachable teaching staff and learning resource staff

Main areas for further development Remain: quality assurance at the subject level student assessment and embedding academic infrastructure

From Jan. 2002: student support Support from staff consistently a strength Small groups assist additional contact with staff Students value dedicated and approachable staff in both teaching and learning resources

Areas for development Timely formative feedback which identifies how to improve Clarity on the student – academic tutor – employer/mentor interface to ensure each understands the roles of the others.

ICT resources Good practice includes: early identification of LR needs in programme planning clear identification of HE needs in LR budgeting, provision and availability links between LR availability, ILOs and content of units/modules

ICT resources 2 Provision of LRC induction Continued/additional support for returners Need to ensure consistency of learning opportunities for all students studying programme across different sites/modes of study

VLE usage Increasingly common in foundation degrees Allows access from college, work, home Allows employer access Contains student handbook, course and other information e.g. study skills events Supports all modules Some include mentoring guidelines for employer access Links to student resources incl. study packs

VLE usage 2 Sets out and supports teaching and learning strategies On-line tutoring On-line progress files/PDPs Allows student interaction Access to welfare system Promotes consistency of experience for students

Ways forward 1 Colleges to include commentary on JISC funding in self evaluation documents Staff development Better publicity for JISC Regional Support Centres Work with AoC and other organisations Offer presentations at QAA autumn HE and FE conference 27 Oct. London

Ways forward 2 Draft revised section of Code out for consultation (qaa.ac.uk/public/COP/cprovis/draft/ contents.htm) Learning from HE in FECs in England:sharing good practice Seek ways of sharing good practice across sector.