Date/Time
Date(s) - 7 Jun 2012
10:45 AM - 3:45 PM
Location
Kingston University
Category(ies)
Seminar: Understanding the prior learning experiences and learning and teaching expectations of STEM postgraduate taught students: an institutional and national perspective
Host: The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing
Venue: Room JG5003 – Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE
Date: 7 June 2012
Registration start: 10.45 Room
Register online for this event by Friday 1 June 2012
Overview
There has been a dramatic expansion in the taught postgraduate student body in the UK in the past 10 years. Whilst there has been extensive research undertaken in the field of the student experience, and, learning and teaching at the undergraduate level is limited research in the taught postgraduate (PGT) area.
The Higher Education Academy (HEA) is at the forefront in investigating the PG student experience. In 2008, it launched its annual Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and the year after in 2009, their Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES). In 2008, the HEA funded report entitled Widening participation to postgraduate study: decisions, deterrents and creating success led by Professor Mary Stuart, was published. The HEA research is throwing valuable light on the experience of PG students across the sector. However, although there is an increasing body of research looking at the PG student experience, there is still a lack of research and knowledge in understanding the impact of PGT students’ prior learning and teaching experience, and, their expectations at PGT level.
The aims of the research at Kingston University were to contribute to the literature and improve the PGT student experience in STEM subjects. It explored the previous learning and teaching experiences of the Faculty’s new PGT students and their expectations of studying at PGT level. The objectives of the research were to use the results to develop academic, welfare and support activities within the Faculty, to identify any academic weakness PGT students’ felt they had, to raise awareness amongst staff of new PGT students concerns, and, to improve the overall PGT student experience. The first year focused on new Engineering PGTs in the Faculty of Engineering and in year two, the project surveyed new PGTs across the newly created STEM Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing.
The seminar
This seminar will disseminate the findings of the 2 year research project looking at expectations and previous learning experiences of new taught postgraduates students at Kingston University. It will also compare and contrast the findings with the undergraduate results undertaken previously where appropriate.
Debbie McVitty, who is the Senior Research and Policy Officer for the National Union of Students and guest speaker, will look at the challenges facing the sector in the area of postgraduate taught study from a national perspective.
The panel session will discuss the challenges of improving the taught postgraduate student experience in a changing HE landscape.
Come along and be part of the discussion.
Schedule
| 10.45 – 11.00 | Registration and coffee, tea and cake |
| 11.00 – 11.15 | Introduction by Dr Simon Steiner, Engineering Discipline Lead, HEA |
| 11.15 | Welcome by Dr Lucy Jones and introduction of the guest speaker, Debbie McVitty, Senior Research and Policy Officer, NUS |
| 11.20 – 12.00 | Debbie McVitty, NUS – Postgraduate STEM Taught Study: A national perspective |
| 12.00 – 12.30 | Questions and Answers Chaired by Professor Barbara Pierscionek, |
| 12.30 – 1.15 | Lunch |
| 1.15- 2.30 | Presentation of findings of The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing PGT Student Expectations Survey by Michelle Morgan and Dr Lucy Jones |
| 2.30 – 3.00 | Discussion panel Chaired by Professor Barbara Pierscionek |
| 3.00 – 3.45 | Conclusion by Dr Lucy Jones followed by tea, coffee and networking |
If you have any other queries or questions, please contact Michelle Morgan, Learning and Teaching Coordinator at michelle.morgan@kingston.ac.uk