Nature of SELF funded projects
The University is committed not only to achieving excellence in teaching but also to improving on what is already good through a continuous process of review, innovation and development, or local action research on teaching. The particular focus of the SELF is on enhancement theme engagements. Accordingly, priority will be given to bids that focus particularly on one or more of the following:
- How an innovative approach to assessment will enhance the student learning experience by providing more opportunities for learning from mistakes, receiving high quality feedback, or strategically shifting the balance from summative assessment to formative learning at module level, course level (eg year/level 1, 2, 3 or 4 etc) or indeed at whole programme level.
- How students' abilities, skills and attitudes in relation to employability are likely to be affected and developed by the innovative approach to teaching.
- How (a wider range of) students are likely to benefit from the delivery of a curriculum that is more flexibly designed and delivered as an enhancement of traditional practice.
- How we can design the first year experience to maximise student engagement and empowerment.
- How we ensure that research strategies and activities support the student learning experience in ways that can enhance learner achievement of research-type attributes.
In all cases, materials produced or evaluations conducted could well lead to publications as one of the desirable outcomes. Nevertheless, the major focus will always be on initiatives that enhance the student learning experience.
The general criteria for assessing bids should be read in the light of this special emphasis on the links with the Enhancement Themes. More information about these themes can be obtained from the QAA Enhancement Themes website.