Guide 01/37

Strategies for learning and teaching in higher education

A guide to good practice

Contents and executive summary (read on-line)

This good practice guidance has been informed by an analysis of the initial widening participation statements undertaken by Professor Geoff Layer and John Storan (HEFCE 01/36a), and an analysis of learning and teaching strategies undertaken by Professor Graham Gibbs (HEFCE 01/37a). Both analyses are available on the web. A summary of the widening participation analysis is given within both HEFCE 01/29 and HEFCE 01/36.

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Contents

Executive summary

Background

Section one: Lessons from a review of learning and teaching strategies

Section two: Case studies of practice in institutions

Section three: Case studies of student success

Section four: Support for institutions from the HEFCE

Executive summary

Purpose

1. Following the submission of institutions’ initial statements on widening participation and learning and teaching strategies, the Council commissioned an analysis of the documentation submitted. The Action on Access team, which coordinates the Council’s widening participation activities, undertook the analysis of the widening participation statements, whilst the Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund (TQEF) National Coordination Team undertook the analysis of the learning and teaching strategies. These analyses have identified examples of different approaches and of good practice, which may be helpful to institutions as they develop their strategies. We will publish the full analyses on the web.

2. We recently held two seminars which addressed the relationship between widening participation, learning and teaching, and strategic planning. (Presentations from the seminars will be published shortly on the web-site under ‘Learning and teaching’.) In recognition of these relationships and in order to enable a coordinated approach, this good practice guide and another on widening participation strategies have been produced as companion volumes. We intend to issue further, more detailed, guidance in spring 2002 using case studies to show examples of action plans and targets.

3. The companion guide for widening participation strategies is published as HEFCE 01/36.

Key points

4. The guidance in both documents builds on what is currently taking place, and what has been learnt by institutions, so as to share best practice. Institutions vary enormously and are at different stages of development of their strategies, and there is much to learn from each other’s experience. Brief case studies have been included from English higher education institutions (HEIs), with contact details for further information.

5. This guide is in four main sections:

• the first draws out good practice in relation to key strategic themes from a review of strategies in the sector
• the second section contains case studies from institutions which link with the strategic themes, and with the widening participation guide
• the third section contains case studies relating to student success
• the fourth section summarises the support available to institutions from HEFCE in developing and implementing their strategies.

6. The guide has been written in conjunction with the TQEF National Co-ordination Team (NCT). Both the NCT and the Council would like to thank all those who have provided case studies.

7. All the publications mentioned in this guide can be downloaded from the HEFCE web-site, www.hefce.ac.uk under ‘Publications’.

Action required

8. This report is for information and guidance.