Year
2016
Institution
Sheffield Hallam University
Our collaborative project (Graduate Research and Development - GRAD) brought together seven academic and student support teams from across the university to embed induction activities, study skills, academic literacies, employability attributes and peer led learning into a radically new curriculum for criminology. The aim was to provide a better learning experience for students as they made the transition into university life, building their confidence and encouraging engagement in the full range of developmental opportunities available.
Central to the success of the project is a shared belief that the best way to support students' transition into and through university is by way of a holistic, integrated and applied approach that is developed through the eyes of the students. This required a fresh approach to curriculum development, based on a partnership working model. Although the project was co-ordinated by the academic team based in the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice, all partners - including the students - were afforded an equal voice and the license to be creative in the curriculum design process.
Impact of work
Student success across the first year has improved markedly across all modules, and retention figures have increased across the programme. The staff have recognised and appreciated the impact the student-centred approach has had on student engagement and the wider departmental culture. Our approach has been recognised nationally, being awarded the British Society of Criminology's National Award for Excellence in Teaching Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2014.
Plans for the future
Our ambition is to take the innovative work done as part of the original project and make it available as a practical, developmental resource for teams based in other HE institutions.
Using the resources we have, and drawing on the expertise of all team members, we will create an online, resource-based, MOOC-style learning environment for teams who are interested in adapting an integrated approach to curriculum design. It will be of particular appeal to those who are looking to develop their approaches to widening participation, supporting transition and learning gain.
Our vision is to develop a sustainable, evolving resource and a thriving community of practice.
Central to the success of the project is a shared belief that the best way to support students' transition into and through university is by way of a holistic, integrated and applied approach that is developed through the eyes of the students. This required a fresh approach to curriculum development, based on a partnership working model. Although the project was co-ordinated by the academic team based in the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice, all partners - including the students - were afforded an equal voice and the license to be creative in the curriculum design process.
Impact of work
Student success across the first year has improved markedly across all modules, and retention figures have increased across the programme. The staff have recognised and appreciated the impact the student-centred approach has had on student engagement and the wider departmental culture. Our approach has been recognised nationally, being awarded the British Society of Criminology's National Award for Excellence in Teaching Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2014.
Plans for the future
Our ambition is to take the innovative work done as part of the original project and make it available as a practical, developmental resource for teams based in other HE institutions.
Using the resources we have, and drawing on the expertise of all team members, we will create an online, resource-based, MOOC-style learning environment for teams who are interested in adapting an integrated approach to curriculum design. It will be of particular appeal to those who are looking to develop their approaches to widening participation, supporting transition and learning gain.
Our vision is to develop a sustainable, evolving resource and a thriving community of practice.