Special Interest Groups

A new initiative of the Academic Development and Practice Unit is the establishment and co-ordination of cross-institution interest groups. The purpose of these groups is to provide a forum for like-minded individuals to discuss, exchange ideas and improve their own practice within a specific pedagogical area.

Since April 2008, three special interest groups have been established:

• Problem Based Learning
• Reflective Practice
• Engaging Students in Research

All groups have a wide range of membership from many of the University’s institutions and have hosted meetings, workshops and seminars to focus on aspects of pedagogical practice. To join any of these groups, or make suggestions for new interest groups please contact Ian Scott

Problem Based Learning
With a membership of over 20 staff from three institutions, this group hosted a sharing practice event in July. Colleagues discussed their use of PBL in modules and discussed the challenges of problem design, student engagement and assessment. There is also a PBL blackboard page to post resources, links and external events of interest to PBL practitioners.

Reflective Practice
The reflective practice group hosted a ‘Show and Tell’ event in June which generated interesting and lively discussion on a range of aspects of reflective practice. Topics included the use of creativity to stimulate reflection, reflective journals, promoting the value of reflective practice to students and professionals, developing a reflective culture. The group met in September to share ‘tools and toolkits’ for reflective practice.

Engaging Students in Research
Current membership includes academic staff from all institutions and discussion has focussed upon mechanisms to support and recognise those students who currently engage in research and debate theory, and the challenges of getting more students to engage in research. The group have expressed particular interest in developing a UW undergraduate research journal that would provide an output for ‘research-based work’ and also provide a means of recognition.