The path to NILE quality

Repost of an extract from "The path to NILE quality" by Rob Howe which can be found at: http://blogs.northampton.ac.uk/learntech/2012/12/21/the-path-to-nile-quality/  for the full post.

NILE is now integrated into the learning and teaching process at The University of Northampton and we need to ensure that it is being used effectively by staff in order to provide a quality student experience.

In January 2012, a framework was produced which covers the minimum standards which are expected on a NILE site. This was taken to University SEC on 1^st March, 2012 and subsequently used as the basis for the new NILE templates which were developed for the 2012/13 academic year. As indicated by the communication sent out on 11^th September, 2012, NILE sites will be reviewed against the checklist in the first instance to identify the range of content available to students.

The review, based on a series of standard questions, will feedback information to the module leaders regarding content which should be added to the site along with any action which is required to remove old material; duplicated menu buttons; or other items which may cause confusion to students.

The outputs of the review of NILE sites will be used to inform further planning regarding the use of modules guides and whether they are still required.

Initially the quality team will focus on a sample of modules from each School in discussion with the associate deans. 

This review will ensure that sites are meeting the foundation level of quality in the first instance. Further discussions are in progress to refine the content required to meet higher levels of standard.

For more  details on this contact Lee Jones or Rob Howe.

URB@N Project: Student perspective on a quality learner experience

The School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton has funding from URB@N for three projects. URB@N stands for ‘Undergraduate Research Bursaries at Northampton’. It is a bursary scheme offering opportunities for current undergraduate students to participate in a pedagogic research project taking place at the university. Details of one of these projects is included here.

Student perspective on a quality learner experience 

Scott Turner

John Sinclair

Overview

The project will form part of the larger work going on within the school

on what is a “quality learner experience” both from the staff and student

perspective.

The URB@N student project focus will be on the student perspective and as a peer can hopefully get an more unbiased view through staff not being directly involved in collecting the information.

It is anticipated that results will be disseminated throughout the School

and will inform all Subject teams in terms of the student perspective on

the current learner experience. With the expectation that this will lead to

proactively targeted enhancement activities at subject-level.


Over several years, the School of Science and Technology has been
concerned that its NSS scores, whilst improving, lag behind those of the
rest of the University of Northampton. The development of the KIS has
permitted ready comparison with competitors and whilst there is a recognised
sector-wide issue with low scores in science/technology students, we are not
managing to exceed the outcomes for the majority of similar institutions. In
2011/12, efforts were made to establish student focus groups to investigate
this issue, but student participation was low. We therefore wish to try a different approach, in which the research will be conducted by a student,
which we hope will enable greater buy-in and participation from students
within the School.

The URB@N project would enhance the ongoing project within the school into
what is a quality learner experience.

For more information about this project go Student perspective on a quality learner experience
More details about URB@N can be found at: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/urban