Welcome to the LDC Blog update for December 2012.
In the blog this month:
- Learning Development Projects
- AG24 Evaluation: Open House Drop-in – Wednesday 5th December
- Leading Change in Higher Education – Places Available
- Autumn Researchers’ Development Day Report
Do you have a small project you would like some funding for?
For 2012-2013 the Learning Development Projects provide an opportunity for staff and students to focus on a project for any aspect of education that will lead to an enhancement of the student experience and that you feel passionate about. This includes undertaking a development activity such as implementing a new assessment tool or small scale research on an area to evaluate new practice or lead to new practice. This call invites both staff and students to apply for these projects. The LDC will provide a mentor for each project.
| Staff: If the project is staff led we expect there to be evidence of student engagement for the duration of the project which could be in terms of consultation and feedback or could be with them as members of the project team. | Student: If the project is student led we expect there to be support and engagement from an academic so that any initiative or outcome from the project has a champion for its implementation. |
| If you are thinking of applying do have a chat to the Associate Dean for Education in each School to see if the project fits with the School focus. | |
Timeline
Projects will run from January –July 2013.
The timetable for the projects will be:
- January and February – you will need to make any revisions to your plan so you can send this back to us so we can publish it on the LDC website. See link for previous projects http://www.city.ac.uk/about/education/ldc/staffdevelopment/ldp
- April – you will need to write a short report on progress for submission in April. Again we will publish this on the website.
- May – July – your will be completing your report and identify the outcome of your project and future plans for your findings. A final report outlining the complete project is required for submission at the end of July which will also be published on the website.
Funding
There is a fund of up to £10,000 for each project. We expect all project holder(s) to present their project at the Learning at City conference and /or publish in the Learning @City Journal although you might write your final report in a version that could be published rather than provide an additional article.
Funds may be used to employ students/temps to undertake data collection and write draft reports. You may also use this to run workshops and provide some catering for these or pay for travel and attendance at external conferences. NB no funding can be carried beyond July.
How to Apply
If you are interested in being involved please draft an outline of your proposed project making clear how this will enhance the student experience, what you plan to do, who is involved in the project and how a budget outlining how you plan to spend the money. This should not be longer than 1000 words. Please e-mail both these to ldc@city.ac.uk by 21st December 2012. The Learning Advisory Board will then review all applications and agree projects which will be funded. If you have any questions please contact Pam Parker by e-mail on p.m.parker@city.ac.uk
AG24 Evaluation: Open House Drop-In
Leading Change in Higher Education. You can still sign up
This course focuses on thinking about all aspects of leadership and managing change. This can be related to a small scale or departmental project. You can hear from others how their role developed and consider spaces and how these impact on views of work and learning. You will explore some of the theories surrounding leadership and change and learn from each others experiences. The module has four face to face days with two in December on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th and then two in February on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th. The assessment of the module is a presentation in class and three blog postings. Think about something new you want to share with colleagues sign up for the module.
You can find out more information, download an application form and contact the Programme Team from our website here – http://www.city.ac.uk/about/education/ldc/academic-practice-and-phd-programme
Or send any questions you may have to maap@city.ac.uk
Report from the Autumn Researchers’ Development Day – Nov 7th 2012
The first of this years’ Researchers’ Development Days run
by the Learning Development Centre, took place on Wednesday 7th November in the Northampton Suite at City University.
This day was an opportunity for researchers at City to come together and attend a variety of sessions around the theme of “Planning for Successful Research” attendees ranged from students at the start of their doctorate through to post doctoral and experienced researchers.
The day consisted of four lots of three concurrent sessions, each lasting fifty minutes. Each session was run by a guest speaker from within the University and covered a range of topics aimed at helping delegates develop their research practice.
The day began with an introduction and welcome by Professor Kenneth Grattan, Dean of The City Graduate School. He explained that the aim of the newly opened graduate school was to enhance the experience of research students at City University. He stressed how important it was to look at the issues around developing research and researchers and went on to highlight the usefulness of the Researchers’ Development Days in addressing these issues and offering researchers new techniques and tips.
During lunch there was a chance for attendees to meet and network with their fellow researchers and to chat to staff from various departments at City about the services and help available to them. These included staff running the MA in Academic practice and staff from London City Incubator and City Spark.
After lunch, a Student Panel Discussion took place, giving attendees an opportunity to hear from and question some of their fellow students currently at various stages in their Doctoral research.
The event was attended by over one hundred researchers and was very well received.
Fantastic day; thoroughly enjoyed it – thanks!
Enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with other PhD students in the Uni.
Great to have all the sessions on one day – very helpful day. Thank you!
A series of slides and videos from the sessions are available on moodle.
2012-13 LDC Events Schedule
Spring Researchers’ Development Day – Tuesday 16th April 2013
Learning at City Conference – Thursday 6th June 2013
Research Symposium – Wednesday 26th June 2013