Hear, hear!
Sue
Sent from my iPhone
On 25 Awst 2011, at 19:21, John Peters <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hi all [and Julie in particular!]
>
> Now Kristine has broken cover, I am emboldened to contribute to what I think has been an interesting discussion.
>
> I have to say I don't accept the view of some contributors that now is not the time to be critical of the Government position set out in this white paper. If not now, I'm not sure when there will be a better opportunity!
>
> I have great concern that SEDA could damage its reputation, as an independent advocate of developmental improvement in higher education teaching and learning, if it is seen to accept the government position that market competition and the survival of the fittest will somehow enhance the quality of Higher Education provision. We need to say that they are wrong and that improvement and enhancement happens in Higher Education through co-operation, sharing and a real concern for students as human beings rather than as customers. We need to say that we are committed to helping colleagues enhance student learning and that we will continue to do so in spite of the government's ill conceived and counter-productive proposals.
>
> SEDA will look still worse if all it does is agree the proposed quality indicators and then heap further quality indicators of its own on top of the pile. So, while I am supportive of suggestions that the learning and teaching qualifications of staff are important in enhancing the student learning experience, I wouldn't want us to just add that and other measures to the government list. We are then directly implicated in a neo-liberal attack on the professionalism of our academic colleagues.
>
> So, by all means suggest there are weaknesses in the indicators of quality being suggested and draw attention to the need for a greater focus on values, purposes and processes but please maintain an independent and critical stance.
>
> cheers
> John
>
> Dr John Peters
> Academic Development and Practice
> University of Worcester
> 01905 855506
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Online forum for SEDA, the Staff & Educational Development Association [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Gwen Van Der Velden
> Sent: 25 August 2011 18:04
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: White Paper - English HE - students at the heart of the system
>
> Hear, hear!!!!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Online forum for SEDA, the Staff & Educational Development Association
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of MASON O'CONNOR, Kristine (Prof)
> Sent: 25 August 2011 17:44
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: White Paper - English HE - students at the heart of the system
>
> Dear Julie
>
>
>
> I suggest that SEDA's response to the White Paper should question the
> assumption that 'competition between academics' is a way of improving the
> student learning experience.
>
>
>
> The White Paper refers to the outcomes of student evaluations and surveys
> 'stimulating competition between the best academics'. An implication is
> that one of the criteria for National Teaching Fellowship should be changed
> from 'Raising the profile of excellence: evidence of supporting colleagues
> and influencing support for student learning' to 'evidence of competing
> effectively against colleagues' - though the word colleague hardly seems
> appropriate in this context. From my experience of working in a university
> which has successfully nominated 12 National Teaching Fellows it has been
> the culture of collegiality, cooperation and collaboration which has been
> significant. A collegial culture reflects SEDA's value of 'working in and
> developing learning communities' and is one which should be protected and
> promoted across the sector.
>
>
>
> Best wishes
>
>
>
> Kristine
>
>
>
> Kristine Mason O'Connor BSc PGCE MEd PhD FHEA NTF
>
> Emeritus Professor Higher Educational Development
>
> University of Gloucestershire
>
> GL504A7
>
>
>
>
>
>
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