Item 7, Paper D
APPSC, 2 December 2009
Learning and Teaching Strategy – Operational Plan 2009-10
The Learning and Teaching Strategy Operational Plan for 2009-10 builds upon the six key actions identified at the end of the Strategy. Schools should use
this Operational Plan in conjunction with the Strategy and the School plans created during the planning round.
1. Undertake fundamental reviews of the University’s educational offering.
Activities to be taken forward under the Plan arising from the Review of Undergraduate Education:
 Manage the implementation of the recommendations arising from the Review of Undergraduate Education in line with the Plan
Activity
1
2
Objective
Prepare for Review
of Postgraduate
Education
Establish remit and
process
Manage
implementation of
research degree
actions arising from
Review of
Research and
Knowledge
Transfer1
Deliver an enhanced
educational offering
for research degree
students
Performance indicator
Scope of review and
actions identified
Appropriate actions
identified and work
completed
Timescales
April-August
10
(APPSC &
Senate June
10)
October 09July 10
(APPSC Feb,
April, June
10)
University
lead
DVCE
Management
lead
Head of ADU
School
lead
Deans
AD(E)
DVCE
Deputy Head
of ADU
AD(E)
STR
Associate
Director of
LDC
2. Build upon robust quality assurance and enhancement processes to ensure their fit with the direction of the University strategy.
Activities to be taken forward under the Plan arising from the Review of Undergraduate Education:
 Implement the revised periodic review process
 Develop a revised template for programme and module specifications
 Implement the approved recommendations arising from the Assessment Criteria and Feedback Working Group
1
In most cases these are incorporated into other research degree actions within this plan
1
Link to other
plans/projects
Activity
1
Implement revised
processes for
Stage 1
programme
approval
Review Stage 2
programme
approval process
2
3
Implement new
framework for
research degrees
provision, including
extensive policy
and practice
development
Implement the
recommendations
arising from the
review of Q&S
management
information
Objective
Ensure greater
consideration of
market requirements
and potential
programme viability
Performance indicator
Revised processes for
Stage 1 implemented
Role of JISC project in
supporting changes
identified
Ensure greater
consideration of
programme
development issues
Support ongoing
enhancement of
quality and standards
of research degree
provision
Revised processes for
Stage 2 identified and
implemented
Improve completion
rates
Training for supervisors
enhanced, for example
via MAAP programme
and supervision module
Recommendations
implemented
Utilise data and
information sources
to inform QA/QE
processes, decisionmaking, action
planning & measuring
performance against
strategic objectives
Ensure greater
alignment between
QA processes and
Further policy and
practice development,
including policies on
writing up, submission
and resubmission
Data for Senate
analysed & discussed
appropriately
Greater use of data
within APEs, periodic
reviews and other
processes used to
inform School planning
Timescales
November 09
(APPSC Sept
09)
November
09-April 10
(APPSC Feb,
April 10)
October 09July 10
University
lead
DVCE
Academic
Lead
(Programme
Approval)
DVCE
Management
lead
Deputy Head
of ADU
School
lead
AD(E)
Deputy
Director of
LDC
Deputy Head
of ADU
STR
Associate
Director of
LDC
September
09-July 10
(APPSC
Sept, Dec 09)
In line with
Planning
Round and
Senate
meetings
2
DVCE
DVC
T&L
Development
Manager
COO
Director of
SaPU
Director of
CCSD
Director of
APPS
Deans
Schools
COOs
Link to other
plans/projects
PREDICT
4
5
6
7
8
Activity
Objective
Further develop the
student feedback
and representation
framework
School planning
Embed student input
as a fundamental
feature of enhancing
the student learning
experience
Further develop the
University’s
framework for
flexible learning
Develop a more
streamlined and
accessible
approach to the
publication of
policies and
procedures
Review appeals,
complaints and
discipline
regulations
(including s13 of
the assessment
regulations)
Revise induction
process for
External Examiners
Strength comms with
students
Develop an approach
that fully reflects the
needs of this activity
and takes account of
SLE developments
Provide accessible,
student-friendly/
facing information
Ensure clear
distinctions between
policy, process &
guidance
Ensure regulations
are fit for purpose
Performance indicator
Policy mechanisms
reviewed
October 09July 10
Action plans arising
from student feedback
updated and
disseminated
(APPSC Dec
09, April/June
10; SAC Dec
09, Feb/April/
June 10)
January-June
10
Framework developed
Clearer and more
accessible policies and
procedures developed
(APPSC Feb,
June 10)
MarchAugust 10
University
lead
DVCE
Management
lead
Deputy Head
of ADU
Dean of
Students
School
lead
Regulations reviewed
and enhancements/
amendments identified
Amendments identified
and implemented in
conjunction with
November
09-June 10
Members
of SAC
SU President
DVCE
DVCE
DVCE
T&L Dvpt
Manager
Director of
LDC
Deputy Head
of ADU
T&L Dvpt
Manager
COO
(APPSC Feb,
April 10;
Senate June
10; VIPC Feb
10)
February 10
University
Secretary
(APPSC Feb
Academic
3
Link to other
plans/projects
AD(E)
AD(E)
Core
Experts
AD(E)
(APPSC
June 10)
Processes for change
approved
Enhance induction
process
Timescales
Deans
AD(E)
ACE
Manager
DVCE
Head of
Governance
Deputy Head
of ADU
n/a
University
Strategic Plan
SLE Project
University
Portal project
Activity
Objective
for 2010-11
9
Establish a
mechanism for
University oversight
of PSRB reports
Enhanced
information regarding
strengths, good
practice and crossSchool issues
developed
Performance indicator
Timescales
Schools
10)
Approach agreed
January-June
10
University
lead
Lead
(External
Examiners)
Management
lead
School
lead
Link to other
plans/projects
Deputy Head
of ADU
(APPSC
April, June
10)
3. Increase the number of award-bearing partnerships and develop the University’s mechanisms to ensure that maximum benefit can be gained
from all forms of collaborative provision, including validation.
1
2
3
Activity
Objective
Continue to
provide proactive
support to those
who develop
award-bearing
partnerships
Implement the
Q&S components
of the INTO
partnership
Support development of
partnership activity in
accordance with the
Strategic Plan and the
quality and standards
framework
Ensure the quality and
standards of the INTO
provision are managed
in a way that supports
the achievement of the
Strategic Plan
Complete review
of Memoranda of
Ensure that the terms
of agreement remain
Performance
indicator
More strategic
partnership
development that is
aligned to the Strategic
Plan
Timescales
N/A
Foundation Certificate
programmes approved
October 09January 10
Foundation Certificate
Q&S framework
embedded within wider
collaborative provision
Q&S framework
(VIPC Feb
10)
Proposed amendments
agreed in liaison with
JanuaryAugust 10
(VIPC June
10)
2009-10
(VIPC Feb,
4
University
lead
DVCE
Management
lead
V&P Dvpt
Manager
School
lead
Deans
DVCE
Head of ADU
AD(E)
Dean of
Validation
V&P Dvpt
Manager
Dean of
Validation
V&P Dvpt
Manager
N/A
Link to other
plans/projects
University
Strategic Plan
University
Strategic Plan
Activity
4
5
6
7
8
Objective
Agreement for
validated
provision
current
Complete the
development of
templates for
Memoranda of
Agreement for
partnership
provision
Finalise the
development of
City’s service
infrastructure to
support all awardbearing
collaborative
provision
Revise the Policy
on Partnerships
Establish further
consistency to support
the development of new
activity and the
minimisation of risk
Review Stage 1
process for
validated
provision
Establish a
process for the
re-approval of
partners
Performance
indicator
University solicitors
Mechanisms for
implementation agreed
Templates developed
Mechanisms for
implementation agreed
Ensure collaborative
provision is embedded
into the core business
of the University,
thereby supporting the
Strategic Plan
Framework developed
and approved
Ensure Policy reflects
current strategic/
operational practice
Revised policy
approved and
implemented
Ensure process
remains up to date and
reflects current practice
Revised process
developed and
approved
Ensure partnerships
remain current
Process developed and
approved
Establish a process by
which City can close
Actions for
implementation agreed
Timescales
University
lead
Management
lead
School
lead
Link to other
plans/projects
June 10)
2009-10
(APPSC
April, June
10)
DVCE
V&P Dvpt
Manager
Deans
2009-10
(APPSC Feb,
June 10)
DVCE
Head of ADU
School
COOS
Dean of
Validation
V&P Dvpt
Manager
COO
Director of
S4S
DVCE
V&P Dvpt
Manager
Link tutors
University
Strategic Plan
Dean of
Validation
V&P Dvpt
Manager
N/A
University
Strategic Plan
DVCE
V&P Dvpt
Manager
Deans
October 2009
(approve)
July 2010
(Implement)
2009-10
(VIPC June
10)
2009-10
(APPSC
April, June
10)
5
Link tutors
Link Tutors
9
10
11
12
Activity
Objective
Further develop
strategically City’s
relationship with
City & Islington
College
partnerships that are no
longer appropriate
Further develop the
University’s
engagement with FE &
mechanisms to enable
student progression
Embed the new
validation
relationships with
Trinity Laban and
Ravensbourne
Embed the
partnerships Q&S
framework into
ADU policies and
procedures2
Exit the validation
with Tavistock
Institute
Support strong working
relationships with new
validation partners
Provide further clarity
about the framework
Performance
indicator
New developments
explored and initiated
where appropriate
Course Boards running
smoothly
Developments
supported
Partnerships provision
incorporated within all
policies and procedures
Validation relationship
terminated with
appropriate
consideration given to
student experience
Timescales
N/A
University
lead
DVCE
Management
lead
Director of
Educational
Relationships
School
lead
N/A
Link to other
plans/projects
University
Strategic Plan
V&P Dvpt
Manager
V&P Dvpt
Manager
N/A
Dean of
Validation
Ongoing
DVCE
V&P Dvpt
Manager
N/A
August 2010
DVCE
V&P Dvpt
Manager
N/A
(VIPC June
10)
Dean of
Validation
4. Review and enhance where necessary the School and University-level support mechanisms available for all students in both academic and
pastoral areas.
Activities to be taken forward under the Plan arising from the Review of Undergraduate Education:
 Monitor the implementation of the policy on staff-student contact
 Monitor the implementation of the recommendations arising from the Review of Personal Tutoring, including the development of training
sessions and guidance
2
This also relates to the wider action (2.6) to “develop a more streamlined and accessible approach to the publication of policies and procedures”
6


Implement the policy on personal development planning, including supporting the incorporation of PDP and reflective learning in all
programmes
Enhance student induction and the student transition to university, building on improvements made to the induction and registration
processes in 2008-09
Activity
1
2
Commence the
review of the
information
provided to
students
Commence work
to enhance the
research
environment
Objective
Performance indicator
Improve coherence in
the range of information
provided to students to
support their learning
experience
City and You
disseminated effectively
JanuaryAugust 10
Review of information
provided in hard copy/
on web completed
(APPSC
April, June
10; SAC Feb,
April, June
10)
Enrich the learning
experience for research
students
Increase support for
researchers (both staff
and students)
3
4
Support the
development of a
fitness to study
policy
Develop an
Proposals to enhance
information/
dissemination agreed
Revised framework for
training provision
developed, including
enhanced support for
students who teach
Representation for
research degree
students improved
Policy developed
Mechanisms for
implementation agreed
Support City’s
Strategy developed
Timescales
University
lead
DVCE
Management
lead
Deputy Head
of ADU
COO
Director of
S4S
November
7
Deputy Head
of ADU
STR
Associate
Director of
LDC
DVCE
T&L Dvpt
Manager
AD(E)
COO
Director of
S4S
COO
ACE
Manager
Director of
Link to other
plans/projects
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
Portal Project
SU President
December
09-August 10
(APPSC
June 10)
November
09-August 10
(APPSC Feb,
June 10)
School
lead
AD(E)
School
Activity
Employability
Strategy
5
6
Review the policy
of 24 hour
opening in the
library
To implement the
teaching and
learning-related
components of
the action plan
arising from the
Equality and
Diversity Strategy
Objective
employability record
and ensure Careers
provision meets the
needs of all students
Establish whether the
policy is providing
benefit to students and
City more widely
Ensure teaching and
learning at City fulfils
the requirements of the
Equality and Diversity
Strategy
Performance indicator
Timescales
Mechanisms for
implementation agreed
09-April 10
(ExCo April
10)
Policy, including
financial aspects,
reviewed
October 2009
Suggestions for
enhancement identified
and action plan agreed
Actions completed
November
09-July 10
University
lead
Management
lead
S4S
School
lead
COOs
COO
Director of
LIS
N/A
DVCE
Deputy Head
of ADU
COO
Director of
HR
Link to other
plans/projects
School
COOs
Director of
S4S
T&L Dvpt
Manager
5. Enhance the University’s physical and virtual space and its organisational structures.
Activities to be taken forward under the Plan arising from the Review of Undergraduate Education:
 Develop support for variety of learning and teaching and assessment methods
 Demonstrate and market Bologna compatibility within documentation
 Implement the revised academic year and credit framework
 Investigate potential changes to timetabling and the working day to support the most effective teaching and learning practices
Activity
1
Commence
migration to a
new strategic
Objective
Phased implementation
of new SLE.
Performance indicator
Migration plans
established and kept
under review
Timescales
September
09 onwards
University
lead
DVCE
Management
lead
Director of
LDC
School
lead
Deans
AD(E)
8
Link to other
plans/projects
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
Activity
learning
environment
(SLE)
2
3
4
5
Objective
Develop one
environment for all;
ensure consistency in
design; embed learning
environment into
curriculum design
Performance indicator
First implementations
undertaken and
evaluated
Further development of
SLE undertaken
Portal established
Commence
implementation of
the University
Portal
Establish a Portal and
commence evaluation
and further
development of tools
Complete the
redesign of City’s
website
Provide a website more
able to support the
needs of the University
New website launched
Use Educational
Balance Sheets
to support
educational
decision-making
and maintenance
of Q&S
Develop
educational
technology
roadmap
Facilitate the
discussion and analysis
of EBS data at Senate
and at other fora as
appropriate.
EBS received and
discussed at Senate
Provide clear vision for
direction of change at
City
Roadmap completed
First components tested
and evaluated
Timescales
(APPSCs &
SACs in
2009-10)
University
lead
COO
Management
lead
CIO
School
lead
Core
Experts/
PROs
Link to other
plans/projects
PREDICT
Portal project
Web project
January 10
onwards
(APPSCs &
SACs in
2009-10)
September
09-April 10
September
09 onwards
DVCE
COO
COO
DVCE
Director of
LDC
CIO
CIO
Director of
SaPU
Deans
SLE project
AD(E)
Web project
Deans
Portal project
School
COOs
Deans
SLE project
School
COOs
Relevant actions
disseminated to others
in the University
January 2010
onwards
Web2.0 strategy
DVCE
COO
Adopt new/appropriate
technologies
Director of
LDC
ADEs
Portal project
PROs
Website project
SLE project
ENSEMBLE
6. Develop mechanisms and structures that encourage and reward educational excellence and development and research into educational practice
among staff and that promote the value and importance of the University’s educational offer.
9
Activities to be taken forward under the Plan arising from the Review of Undergraduate Education:
 Provide proactive support for high quality and innovative teaching practice, including staff educational development and innovation
 Create a culture of sharing of good practice and celebrating achievements
Activity
1
2
3
4
Implement a
revised LDA
scheme
Further develop
the Learning &
Teaching Award
Scheme
Objective
Embed EDA-type
scheme within other
initiatives ongoing
within the University
Promote expertise and
innovation in learning
and teaching practice
and enable
development of this
Continue to
provide modules
of the MA
Academic
Practice as CPD
and award routes
Promote innovation in
learning and teaching
and provide
development for these
activities
Develop an inhouse Learning
at City
Conference and
Journal
developed
Share good practice in
learning and teaching
across City
Performance indicator
Decision regarding
future of EDA scheme
approved
Revised scheme
implemented
Applicants from all
Schools received
Timescales
By January
10 (APPSC
Dec 09)
University
lead
DVCE
Management
lead
Director of
LDC
EDAs
Staff promote
programme to
colleagues
Staff apply to provide
papers and posters for
the conference and
articles for the journal
Link to other
plans/projects
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
PREDICT
N/A
DVCE
Director of
LDC
AD(E)
Previous
and current
award
holders
Staff have knowledge
of the scheme
Staff can identify
previous projects and
award winners
Increase in staff
undertaking routes
within the programme
School
lead
AD(E)
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
SLE Project
PREDICT
N/A
N/A
10
DVCE
DVCE
Programme
Director
MAAP
Senior
Lecturers in
LDC
Associate
Director of
LDC
AD(E)
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
PREDICT
AD(E)
Previous
and current
award
holders
SLE Project
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
`
SLE Project
Activity
Objective
Performance indicator
Timescales
University
lead
Management
lead
School
lead
Link to other
plans/projects
PREDICT
LDAs
5
Implement LDC
Fellowship
scheme
Share good practice
Create a learning
community for learning
and teaching innovation
and research
Staff apply for
fellowship
N/A
DVCE
Associate
Director of
LDC
Staff value the
fellowship scheme
AD(E)
Previous
and current
award
holders
Learning and
Teaching
Award scheme
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
SLE Project
PREDICT
Recognise staff
committed to
innovation in learning
and teaching
6
7
Further develop
learning
development
opportunities/
provision
Provide support
for changes in
learning and
teaching practice
(for example in
LDAs
Holders of
MA
Academic
Practice
Encourage utilisation of
bespoke menu for staff
and Schools
Increased numbers of
staff attending bespoke
sessions
Provide consultancy
and engagement with
key School processes
around programme
design/development
Undertake change
management activities
LDC involvement in
School processes
Articulate L&T
methodologies
Summer
2010
DCVE
Associate
Director of
LDC
AD(E)
Learning and
Teaching
Award Scheme
MA Academic
Practice
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
SLE project
PREDICT
Improved NSS scores
Ongoing
Greater staff
engagement in L&T
CPD
DVCE
Director of
LDC
COO
11
AD(E)
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
Activity
Objective
Performance indicator
Enhance value of L&T
Develop common policy
and practice across all
Schools
Gain acceptance of
curriculum design as a
development process
Increased observation
and developmental
support
Articulation of teaching
methods for all
programmes/modules
Timescales
University
lead
Management
lead
School
lead
Link to other
plans/projects
relation to NSS)
8
9
Review of peer
observation of
teaching scheme
Develop culture
of curriculum
design
Summer
2010
DVCE
Ongoing
DVCE
Associate
Director of
LDC
Director of
LDC
Head of ADU
Use curriculum models
LDC involvement in
design process
ADE
Reward and
promotion
ADE
Review of
Undergraduate
Education
PREDICT
ENSEMBLE
Engage support
services in process
SLE project
Appropriate use of
variety of methods
including technology
and reflective learning
Key:
AD(E) = Associate Deans (Education/Learning and Teaching)
ADU = Academic Development Unit
APEs = Annual Programme Evaluations
APPS = Academic and Professional Process Support
ARQS = Annual Report on Quality and Standards
CCSD = Centre of Careers and Skills Development
CIO = Chief Information Officer
COO = Chief Operating Officer
DVC = Deputy Vice-Chancellor
DVCE = Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
EBS = Educational Balance Sheets
LDA = Learning Development Associate
LDC = Learning Development Centre
NSS = National Student Survey
P&F = Property and Facilities
PD = Programme Director
PRO = Project Resource Officer (SLE project)
Q&S = Quality and standards
S&PU = Strategy and Planning Unit
S4S = Services for Students
SDU = Staff Development Unit
SLE = Strategic Learning Environment
STR = Senior Tutors for Research
T&L Dvpt Manager = Teaching and Learning Development Manager
V&P Dvpt Manager = Validation and Partnerships Development Manager
12