Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading

Renewing our Teaching and Learning Strategy: note from Gavin Brooks

Monday, 02 October 2017

Renewing our Teaching and Learning Strategy

Colleagues,

Our current Teaching and Learning (T&L) Strategy 2013-2018 is coming to the end of its current timeframe and the Teaching and Learning Strategy Board (TLSB) has embarked on a project to develop its next iteration. Reflections and input from you – colleagues involved in the design and delivery of teaching and learning and students pursuing their education with us, at all levels – are extremely important to this process. 

I set out here our background thinking to date and how you can contribute to the strategy renewal exercise over the autumn term. Please take some time to consider this and take the opportunity to contribute to the process.

Background

In developing a DRAFT T&L Strategy TLSB has considered:

  • the significant progress made against all four pillars of the current Strategy, including the notable advances made in T&L staff development and recognition that were highlighted by the TEF Panel in the recent Silver Award Statement of Findings; 
  • the need to align T&L strategy with University, Research and Global Engagement strategies and the TEL Vision which have all been developed more recently; 
  • the ongoing commitments beyond the current strategy period to projects in two priority strategic areas: (1) Curriculum Framework (including Assessment and Feedback review and EMA) and (2) Student learning experience and development; and
  • the significant external policy developments over the period, with further change anticipated.

Given these factors, TLSB has determined that a T&L Strategy renewal, as opposed to a complete re-design, is the appropriate approach at this stage. Considering the timeframes of the existing University, GE, Research and other related strategies; the anticipated timeline for next TEF entry; and the remaining timelines to complete existing priority strategic T&L projects, 2018-21 is the timeframe proposed for the renewed T&L Strategy. 

DRAFT T&L Strategy 2018-21

A renewed T&L Strategy 2018-21 will focus on the need to consolidate and complete the major strategic activities commenced under the 2013-18 Strategy, to which we already have committed future time and resource, and which already are starting to have a positive impact on our KPIs. UEB has endorsed this approach.

Read the DRAFT strategy online >>>>

How to contribute

We will be seeking your input through discussions at a variety of existing fora over the autumn term; for example, with School Boards for Teaching and Learning, T&L Communities of Practice, Senate and through the RUSU course representative network. 

I encourage you to share your thoughts with us, through any such fora that you are part of. Staff and students are invited to send feedback to tandlstrategy@reading.ac.uk by 30 November 2017. 

In particular, we welcome:

  1. Your reflections and comments on the DRAFT T&L Strategy 2018-21.  
  2. Your thoughts on what you see as the priorities for T&L at Reading beyond 2021? What do you think the University could do to prepare for these (2018-21)?

Towards the end of the autumn term, I will work with TLSB colleagues to review all the feedback gathered. 

We intend to finalise and communicate the renewed T&L Strategy 2018-21 in the spring term 2018.

Professor Gavin Brooks

PVC Teaching and Learning