Teaching and learning debate: Do you think Part One should count? Wednesday 30 November
Friday, 25 November 2011
'This is an opportunity to have your say on a fundamental aspect of how the University functions; this event could influence a step change in University policy.'
In a straw poll of students earlier in the year, opinion over whether Part One should count towards undergraduate degrees was divided almost 50/50.
Students work hard during their first year - shouldn't this effort be recognised and contribute towards their final degree classification? After all, how can we expect them to take their first year seriously if we don't? Whilst some students wanted Part One to take an equal share of the overall degree classification, others argued that it should only contribute 10% toward the final mark.
On the other hand, coming to university is an unknown step for many; there is much to get used to and often new disciplines to embrace. Do students really need the extra pressure of knowing that how they perform in this transition period could affect the outcome of their degree? One said: "You need time at the beginning of your degree to settle into university life, make new friends and adjust to different ways of working."
But what do you think? To enable you to have your say, the Centre for the Development of Teaching and Learning (CDoTL) in conjunction with Reading University Students' Union (RUSU), have organised a debate, ‘Should Part One count?' for the University's staff and students, chaired by Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Tony Downes.
Sarah Morey, CDoTL's Acting Director, said: "This is an opportunity to have your say on a fundamental aspect of how the University functions; this event could influence a step change in University policy. If you feel strongly one way or another then come and tell us. There are no 'done deals' or scripts at work here and the debate could go either way. Whatever happens, this promises to be an exciting, thought provoking and lively debate. We look forward to seeing you there to help us decide which direction Reading should take."
Staff and students are invited to the Madejski Theatre, Agriculture Building from 2.00-3.00pm, on Wednesday 30 November 2011. The debate is preceded by a lunch in room 1L08 from 1.00pm.
Please email the Centre for Staff Training and Development to book your place: cstd@reading.ac.uk