I am pleased to include the latest CHESS minutes, both as an
attachment and in their entirety. I am also forwarding a copy to
Eileen McCabe in case they get 'scrambled' in the sending, please note
any action necessary and be advised that I am away from the University
for the whole of August.
Thank you[[ MINS4.DOC : 3119 in WINMAIL.DAT ]]
CHESS MEETING
Notes of Meeting held on Thursday 25 June 1998 at the
University of Wolverhampton
Judith Mole from Wolverhampton University opened the meeting by
welcoming everyone present and read out apologies for absence.
Present: Chris Baxter Nottingham Trent University
Madi Bliss SKILL
Gail Carter University of Derby
Clare Edwards SASU
Joan Fleming University of Wolverhampton
Yvonne Fox Open University
Jean Kapcia Staffordshire University
Judith Mole University of Wolverhampton
Anne Moran The University of Huddersfield
Paul Murphy University of Derby
Mandie Murphy Walsall College of Technology
Margaret Nolan The Sheffield College
Daphne Payne University of Reading
Louise Rhodes University of Wolverhampton
Paul Siroky University of Wolverhampton
Jo Sutherland Sheffield Hallam University
Liz Sutherland eQuip
Jenny Tinsley SASU
Paddy Turner Sheffield Hallam University
Mike Wald University of Southampton
1. Minutes or last Meeting
Correction: MW. Item 4 5th paragraph change "help" to "special
dispensation".
2. Matters Arising
CB: A successful day on May 8th "Quality" Seminar at Nottingham
Trent. Final Seminar to be held in May/June 99 when the focus then
will be on "Training" - anyone interested in presenting or leading a
workshop should contact Chris.
3 eQuip Team
LS: spoke about the structure of the eQuip team. 20 out of 31
projects have been visited so far. A bulletin has been printed
listing all 31 national projects, information includes contact names
and numbers. (If you have not received this ring Carol Airey at
Coventry University on 01524 592169).
eQuip is at present establishing an electronic 'discussion list' as a
way of keeping project staff 'connected' there will be a monthly focus
on various issues. There are plans for mailbase workshops November
98, "How to Get your Message Out" February 99 "Collaborative
Projects".
There are two further events planned.
Dis in HE planning major event which was to be in July now beginning
of October for stakeholders. Second item -eQuip running with help of
project staff a workshop on Access to the Curriculum for all the TLTP
(Teaching & Learning through Technology Programme) phase 3 project
holders on 30th September
There will be project briefings on project management, two in the
summer, a further two in the autumn, one will be on how to source
funding.
A resource directory of staff development materials has been
commissioned from SKILL. This will be in paper format and will be on
the www. Completed, it will be delivered to HEFCE for publishing at
the end of July. Five copies will go to each institution. Mike Adams
is involved with ILTHE Planning group for disabilities.
Questions:
Will there be support in the future by HEFCE for groups like CHESS
LS: HEFCE accept that there are costs involved in running groups like
CHESS but are unable to commit themselves until results of the
government's spending review is known.
A clear idea of how much CHESS costs to run is needed, which we have.
HEFCE need an account of what it costs and the value of the face to
face meetings. Would it be possible to commission a small working
party.
Action CB. Asked for help with this from any members willing to give
ideas/time
to a working party.
4. Examination arrangements for BSL users - Yvonne Fox
How/Why should alternative arrangements be sought?
Points for use of video assessment of BSL presented 'scripts'.
* Recognition that BSL is first language
* "Fluency" of student maintained
* Expression of student possible through first language
EC recommendation that sign language be recognised - not yet in the
UK.
Points for examination papers modification
* Language modification on exam papers, to ensure clarity of questions
asked, should be extended to all students - this is seen as a positive
move towards effective teaching and learning.
Against
* Lengthy, exhausting process, onto video, edited, translated etc.,
students themselves decided they didn't want to do it again.
* Students often express a wish to improve English skills.
* The level of support during assessments is currently sometimes
dependent on numbers of Deaf students and is different in most
institutions present at this meeting. A 'baseline' could not be
universal.
The above is a précis of the lengthy discussion which surrounded this
issue. A desire for research and production of "CHESS" guidelines was
expressed.
Action It was agreed that a variety of models would be written up in a
working document for approval by CHESS members.* It was felt that a
document of this sort may assist D/deaf students and their advocates
in offering "good practice" guidelines for possible local adoption.
* See item 6
5. English Language Tutorials
Joan Fleming University of Wolverhampton, gave a personal account of
her role in this area which prompted much discussion.
* Use of English within HE context
* The need for the recognition of BSL as a language
* The need at present, pending the above, for D/deaf students to have
useful skills in English as their courses often demand this.
* Concern that academic/admissions staff were making offers to
students who would struggle with HE study.
* In response to the above Wolverhampton University now has formal
English and BSL assessment prior to an offer being made.
* Recognition that some students have minimal language skills, BSL or
English, how can this be addressed?
6. Research Projects
MW spoke to this item although "research project" was felt to be too
grand a title. LS encouraged the group to think about applying for
research funding from the ESRC in collaboration with an academic
department. Members were asked to consider the possibility.
A starting point was identified as producing briefing papers on any
or all of the following key issues:
* Communication Support in HE (Models)
* Quality in Support in HE
* Examination arrangements
* English Language - Tutorial/Specialist Support
Action
The first two should be addressed by the publications currently being
worked on at the Nottingham Trent University. Following this meeting
members were invited to submit their own institution's alternative
exam-arrangements, the positive and negative aspects of the
arrangements. Information to be examined and sorted into models.
Please send all information to either Mike Wald or Chris Baxter
CHESS as a group will need an academic partner for a research bid,
members should consider this and contact CB if they have a proposal.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be at Reading University on Monday 14
December.
Middle Hall has been booked and it will be at Bulmershe Court campus.
There are two campuses at Reading and care must be taken not to go to
the wrong one. Maps and further details will be sent nearer the time,
Chris Baxter
Service/Project Co-ordinator
Disability Support
The Nottingham Trent University
Burton Street
Nottingham
NG1 4BU
0115 9486395 Voice
0115 9486357 minicom
0115 9486358 fax
email [log in to unmask]
http://www.ntu.ac.uk/acs/dissupp.html
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