Stephen J Maw

Moving feedback forward: theory to practice

There is substantial research interest in tutor feedback and students’ perception and use of such feedback. This paper considers some of the major issues raised in relation to tutor feedback and student learning. We explore some of the current feedback drivers, most notably the need for feedback to move away from simply a monologue from a tutor to a student to a valuable tutor–student dialogue. In relation to moving feedback forward the notions of self regulation, dialogue and social learning are explored and then considered in relation to how such theory can translate into practice. The paper proposes a framework (GOALS) as a tool through which tutors can move theory into practice with the aim of improving student learning from feedback.

Biological Fieldwork Provision in Higher Education

Abstract Fieldwork is regarded as an important component of many bioscience degree programmes. QAA benchmarks statements refer explicitly to the importance of fieldwork, although give no indication of amounts of field provision expected. Previous research has highlighted the importance of fieldwork to the learning of both subject-specific and transferable skills. However, it is unclear how the amount and type of fieldwork currently offered is being affected by the recent expansion in student numbers and current funding constraints. Here we review contemporary literature and report on the results of a questionnaire completed by bioscience tutors across 33 UK institutions. The results suggest, perhaps contrary to anecdotal evidence, that the amount of fieldwork being undertaken by students is not in decline and that on the whole, programmes contain reasonable amounts of fieldwork. The majority of programmes involved UK-based fieldwork, but a number of programmes also offered ‘exotic’ overseas fieldwork which was considered important in terms of student recruitment as well as exposing students to a diversity of field learning environments. Tutors were very clear about the benefits of fieldwork and the need to be proactive to maintain its provision.

The Role of the Postgraduate Student in Delivering Bioscience Teaching.

Abstract There has been much recent interest in the extent to which the teaching in higher education delivered by non-academic staff has increased in the recent past. Within the Biosciences there has always been a tradition of engaging postgraduate students to support the delivery of some forms of teaching. In this paper we report on the findings of a survey of bioscience departments in the UK to explore the delivery of teaching by graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). A key finding is that there does not appear to have been a significant increase in the amount of teaching delivered by GTAs: only 18% of responding departments reported an increase in the use of GTAs over the last five years. The most common form of employment of GTAs is in supporting the delivery of practical classes, particularly in year 1, though GTAs are engaged to varying extents in all forms of teaching. All of the institutions that responded indicated that some forms of training were provided, though this varied in range and in perceived quality. Overall, the academic staff indicated general satisfaction with the quality of the teaching undertaken by GTAs