Included in the New Year Newsletter

• Introducing the new Department for Learning Enhancement and Development – LEaD
• New Team, New Vision
• Learning at City Conference 2014 – CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
• Research Symposium – 26th March 2014
• MA Leading Change in HE Module
• Calling for articles – The Learning at City Journal
• National Teaching Fellowship Scheme
• Dates for your Diary

Introducing LEaD

We are pleased to announce the creation of The Department for Learning Enhancement and Development – or LEaD – a new team comprised of the old Learning Development Centre (LDC), educational technologists from Schools, Learning Success and Student Counselling.  The purpose of bringing these areas together is to improve the connection between student support and curriculum delivery as well as providing more focused support for staff.  LEaD plays a key role in delivering University strategy and provides support for staff and students to ensure that the best possible education experience is realised.  LEaD is a diverse team of 54 staff which has an academic remit and is also a professional service offering student and staff facing services. LEaD’s vision to achieve this, is to create a University culture whereby educational excellence is of equal value to research. We see “education” as encompassing a curriculum model in the broadest sense (both content, delivery and support) and covering the full student lifecycle and experience.  “Excellence” is the fostering of talent to achieve the best outcomes through practice.   An excellent educational experience is the natural outcome of a University culture where staff and students are supported to learn collaboratively and inspired to create new learning opportunities.

Our work is governed by three overriding principles – guidance, innovation and inspiration – in all that we offer to staff and students.

This year is a transition year for the team as we work on new practices and processes, particularly in the area of educational technology support. Whilst you will see some changes, we hope to keep any disruption to a minimum but please be patient with us whilst we work to create the new services and support model.  If you have any questions about the team or services please contact us and we can arrange to visit your School or Department.

New Team, New Vision

Following its re-structure the newly created department for Learning Enhancement and Development (LEaD)  had a successful away day at the Museum of London. The purpose of the Away day was to get to know each other, to establish the new vision and to plan for the future.

The team enjoyed a productive and fun day spent together away from the office.

The full LEaD vision statement is available as a google doc here

Learning at City Conference 2014

The 2014 Learning at City conference is taking place on Wednesday 4th June. This one day event is open to all staff at City University and, for the first time this year, to external delegates. The theme for this year is Students as Partners in Learning? The call for abstracts will open on Monday 13th January and we would encourage all staff who are interested in presenting to submit an abstract for consideration. Visit our events webpage for more information about the conference and to register your interest.

Research Symposium

The 2013/14 Research Symposium organised by LEaD in conjunction with The Graduate School, will take place on Wednesday 26th March 2014. This event provides an opportunity for doctoral students to prepare for presenting posters and sessions at conferences. The call for abstracts has now closed and submissions will be reviewed by the 10th February. Look out for details of how and when to sign up to attend on the Research Symposium webpages

MAAP Leading Change in HE Module

We are still recruiting participants for the Leading Change in Higher Education module that will run as part of the MA Academic Practice from the end of January 2013. Leadership and being an agent of change are qualities that apply to all roles and grades of work.  This module creates a space within which to reflect, network and discover in order to build on your role as a leader of change.  Across the four contact days, the participants will take part in a visit, action learning set, reflection, presentation and discussion.  The module will be driven by the experiences of the participants. The module will be lead by Professor Susannah Quinsee, an experienced leader of change, who along with senior staff in LEAD has been shortlisted for a THE Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership Development this year. Fees are waived for this module for City staff including visiting lecturers and current City PhD students. Read more info and apply here

Calling for articles for the Learning at City Journal

The Learning at City Journal is produced twice a year and is your chance to share good practice in education you have been undertaking. This could be designing a new module, revising an assessment, using a new approach for your teaching or involving students more in their learning. There are many really good practices around the University that could be shared more widely so write an article for the journal. You may have presented at a conference but not thought about writing so now is your chance. We take submissions throughout the year and publish the journal in January and June of each year. Learning at City Journal webpage.

National Teaching Fellowship Development Scheme

Each year the Higher Education Academy publish a call for Universities to submit applications from staff who are felt to have made a sustained contribution to students experience through innovative, creativity and teaching excellence. This call is published in November of each year normally.

LEaD run an annual development scheme to support those who would like to work towards being an applicant for the National Teaching Fellowship. This scheme involves exploring what you do now, your impact in your department, school and within the University and beyond and what development you might need to support you meeting the criteria for a National Teaching Fellow. If you would like to apply to join the scheme which will be preparing you for possible submission in 2014-2015 then write an application of no more than 500 words outlining your reasons for applying and providing some background to your possible claims for the National Teaching Fellowship. In addition discuss this with your Associate Dean for Education within your School so they can support your application with a short statement. These should both be sent to Dr Pam Parker via e-mail P.M.Parker@city.ac.uk by Friday 31^st January 2014.

More information about the HEA National Teaching Fellowship Scheme is available on the HEA website

Dates for your Diary

• Learning at City Conference – Call for abstracts open – Monday 13th January
• Research Symposium – Wednesday 26th March
• Learning at City Conference – Wednesday 4th June
• Researcher Methods and Skills Development Day – Thursday 26th June