Development of a formalised skills-based tutorial system in support of student learning

Abstract

A formalised skills-based tutorial system in support of student learning has been devised, stitched into core Level 1 modules, and requiring student self study and individual student inputs in small group (maximum 5) compulsory tutorials. The aim has been to co-ordinate the development of the six (Foundation Degree) key transferable skills and to underpin career management activities by fostering, in first year students, a feeling of ‘belonging’ through the strengthening of personal progress planning.

The outcome has been a series of skills-related tutorial topics providing training in relevant study techniques (involving all staff irrespective of discipline) with student guidance notes on task completion, a mechanism for encouraging students to use assessment feedback from all sources in a constructive and reflective manner and a means for monitoring student attendance and performance which, it is envisaged, should lead to improvements in Year 1 retention rates.

Our system has recently been evaluated at a full Biosciences divisional meeting. Unanimous acceptance by all 20+ staff with some discussion on, and modification to, the proposed mode of assessment for the subject-specific extended essay and the nature of the numerical exercise on statistics and use of calculators. Potential rooming problems were voiced. The project is now virtually completed and is ready for an October start, apart from final agreements on the format of the skills diaries/recording systems which will form the basis of a Science student’s Progress File.