4 th & 5 th June 2015 The Step Up: From FE to HE Claire
Farquharson, Edge Hill University SOLSTICE Conference 2015
Slide 2
With increasing diversity of students from traditional and
non-traditional routes entering higher education institutions (HEI)
they arrive from differing educational cultures, experiences and
forms of assessment (Hatt, 2003). The degree choice is continually
influenced through prior performance in secondary and further
education, not being too much work and to try and gain a more
prestigious qualification (Lowe, H & Cook A, 2003). As learning
and assessments are not a neutral process and rely on prior
experiences in both educational and social contexts it highlighted
the importance of trying develop all students to the similar
learning platform to progress through the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
degree programme. This presentation discusses the implementation of
a Pre-course Workbook completed prior to enrolment, the role of
Blackboard and will identify the potential outcomes to date. Claire
Farquharson
Slide 3
To highlight the initial discussions to assist the step up from
FE to HE To identifying the role of the PreCourse Workbook To
discuss development and set up of the workbook To highlight
pitfalls and future considerations. Claire Farquharson
Slide 4
With increasing diversity of students from traditional and
non-traditional routes entering higher education institutions (HEI)
they arrive from differing educational cultures, experiences and
forms of assessment skills (Hatt, 2003). The degree choice is
continually influenced through prior performance in secondary and
further education, not being too much work and to try and gain a
more prestigious qualification (Lowe, H & Cook A, 2003)
Widening Participation 50% of UK 18-30 year old age group will
benefit from access to HE by 2010 Also to increase the proportion
from under-represented groups; lower income families, people with
disabilities and ethic minorities Department for Education and
Skills (DfES) (2003)
Slide 5
RETENTION Provide students with a greater insight into the
content of the programme and first year modules to assist retention
ENGAGEMENT To try to engage students from the outset prior to entry
with each module UNDERSTANDING To highlight to students any gaps
within their own knowledge To assist tutors with highlighting any
students that may be struggling from the outset INTRODUCTION Try to
introduce and allow students to engage in a version of blackboard
EHU: The Undergraduate Framework - Lenses Induction and Transition
Technology Enhanced Learning
Slide 6
Production of Pre-Course Workbook Welcome: To provide overview
of course, purpose of workbook Getting Started: Explanations into
the completion of the workbook Step By Step: Log in to Coursesites
(external version of Blackboard) Modules: Overview, Expected Prior
Knowledge, Questions, Recommended Resources (Books, Online
Resources) Hand in: Course introduction in Enrolment week
Slide 7
https://www.coursesites.com/s/_EHUSportsTherapy
https://www.coursesites.com/s/_EHUSportsTherapy Similar set up as
Blackboard Modules Included Programme Information and links FAQs
Learning Resources Access closed Monday of Enrolment Week
Slide 8
Follow Up: All handed in in Enrolment Week Personal Tutors
viewed Workbooks Within Personal Tutor meetings discussed any
issues or reiterated engagement
Slide 9
Evaluation: Review Overall Module Grades Review Retention rates
Development: Pilot Online Quizzes 92% Alterations The Future:
Questions through Online Quiz Discussion re online/paper version:
41% Online 33% No Preference 26% Paper Transitions Level 4 to 5,
Level 5 to 6
Slide 10
Slide 11
Department for Education and Skills (DfES) (2003) The future of
higher education, Cmd 5735 (London, The Stationary Office). Dror,
IE (2008) Technology enhanced learning; The good, the bad and the
ugly. Pragmatics and Cognition 16 (2) 215-223 Hatt, S & Baxter,
A (2003) From FE to HE: Studies in Transition. A comparison of
students entering higher education with academic and vocational
qualifications. Widening participation and lifelong learning. 5 (2)
18-30 Littlejohn, A., and Higgison, C. (2003) E learning series no.
3 a guide for teachers, LTSN Generic Centre.Laurillard, D (1993)
Rethinking University Teaching: A Framework for the Effective Use
of Educational Technology, Routledge. Lowe, H & Cook, A (2003)
Mind the Gap: are students prepared for higher education? Journal
of Further and Higher Education 27 (1) 53-76