FACULTY OF HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Department of Economics
Departmental Staff-Student Consultative Committee (DSSCC) Meeting
Wednesday 20 March 2013 – Minutes
Student Members present: Fabian Eckert (Economics, Year 3); Rachel Er
(Economics, Year 3); Sacha Paneda Alvarez (Economics with a Year Abroad, Year
2); Dhesh Padiachey (Economics with a Year Abroad, Year 1); Tina Chen (Affiliate
Economics); Keshvi Gandesha (Economics, Year 1);
Staff Members present: Viv Crockford (UG Studies Administrator); Paula Moore
(Secretary); Ian Preston (Deputy Head of Department); Christian Spielmann
(Teaching Fellow); Frank Witte (Chair)
Apologies: Olya Vasilenko (Economics & Geography, Year 2); Valerie Lechene
(BSc Director); Morten Ravn (Head of Department)
1.
Welcome and Introduction
FW opened the meeting.
2.
Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 14 November 2012
The minutes of the meeting were approved.
3.
Matters Arising
4.1 Print Quota – FW confirmed that several options were being discussed and a
decision was pending.
4.2 BSc Research Option – FW confirmed that the issue was being explored and
possibilities under consideration included an optional thesis or optional MSc level
courses in the 3rd year to make up part of the overall undergraduate course-load.
The matter would be discussed further by the DTC.
No further matters arose from the last minutes.
4. NSS (National Student Survey) & Faculty Digest
FW stressed the importance of encouraging as many students as possible to
complete the NSS. IP commented that the results of the survey were important as
they made up part of the KIS data and could therefore affect applications and they
also feed into popular league tables and therefore reflect on the public’s perception of
the Department's teaching and the quality of UCL Economics degrees.
DP suggested the department could offer a ‘prize’ in order to increase response rate.
It was agreed that this may not be appropriate as the survey was not run by the
department.
IP presented the Faculty Digest Results. Suggestions on how to improve were
invited.
SPA remarked that students would appreciate more feedback on coursework.
It was agreed that the large number of assignments in some modules generated a
heavy marking load. The coursework requirement of the 3rd year Econometrics
course was cited as an example of good practice as it facilitated sufficient practice in
exercises and more in-depth, though less frequent, feedback on assignments.
SPA remarked that students would appreciate more essay writing practice
particularly for 2nd year modules. It was agreed that essay writing technique was an
important skill for 2nd year students.
TC remarked that there was often insufficient time to cover material during Tutorial
Classes. FW encouraged students to report to the lecturer and to him where this
was an issue.
5.
IQR (Internal Quality Review) update
IP introduced the report and summarised the IQR process. He confirmed the
importance of student involvement and drew attention to the summary of findings on
page 14 of the report.
IP clarified the following points regarding recommendations:
- that the role of summative assessment had been discussed (link to the
relevant document to be provided);
- exam scripts were marked by academic staff according to a rigorous
procedure;
- the breadth of assessment methodologies was being widened (for example
online Moodle tests are now running for some modules (where facilities exist));
- that a committee would meet and discuss the issue of PGTA’s.
SPA observed that the overall feeling amongst students is that they were not
encouraged to take modules outside Economics. It was confirmed that the
Department does encourage students to take options outside the Department and it
was intended that more information on non-Economics modules would be provided
during Induction Week.
It was noted that the introduction of extended library opening hours was a positive
development.
SPA requested more transparency regarding grading and scaling. IP confirmed that
the Department usually avoids marking to a scale although there may be extreme
situations when a scale is employed.
SPA enquired about variation in module marks from year to year. IP confirmed that
generally there are not marked oscillations from year to year but some smaller
modules with only a few students may show variations dependent on the student
cohort.
2
SPA drew attention to comparisons between the percentage of first class degrees the
department awarded and the percentage awarded by some other UCL departments
and economics departments at other comparable institutions. Discussion followed.
It was agreed that this was an issue and had already been raised at the last
Departmental Meeting.
SPA suggested that clearer information about grading and scaling be included in the
Undergraduate Handbook.
6.
Student Choice Teaching Awards
FW highlighted the deadline for the Student Choice Teaching Awards.
7. Any Other Business
7.1
FE suggested it would be worth gauging the level of 1st year interest in a
possible final year dissertation option.
7.2
FE stressed the importance of the results of module surveys to students when
making module choices, especially 3rd year options and asked if it were possible to
make survey completion compulsory. Discussion followed. Points raised included
introducing hand-held technologies for voting or polls and paper surveys where the
response rate is typically higher than other mediums. It was agreed that no optimal
solution immediately suggested itself but students were encouraged to complete
mid-term module surveys in Moodle (available for some courses).
7.4
SPA suggested that communication about the actions of the Committee and
issues that arise could be more visible. Discussion followed.
7.5
RE asked for clarification about the selection process for PGTA’s with
particular reference to two 3rd year modules. FW encouraged students to approach
him with feedback about PGTA’s. CS confirmed that PGTA’s receive training.
It was suggested that clearer information about PGTA’s, their role and the selection
process be included in the Undergraduate Handbook.
Meeting closed.
Date of the next meeting: to be confirmed.
3