Dr Ian Scott

National Teaching Fellow 2011 Institution at time of Award: University of Worcester Dr Ian Scott has worked in academia for two decades and during this time has encountered different disciplines and developed a range of interests. Ian became involved in researching learning and teaching through the Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences subject network and started investigating aspects of informal learning and then, through an interest in accreditation for prior experiential learning experience (APEL), developed an equally strong passion for work based learning. Ian was an inaugural chair of SEEC's foundation degree network. Ian's approach to learning and teaching is, by sharing stimulating active experiences, to enhance attainment and development. He has co-authored two text books; an introductory text on statistics and another on study skills. These texts themselves reflect Ian's approach to facilitating learning. They draw on students' own experiences, encourage students to gain further experience and help students to develop self-confidence. Ian's education research focuses on learning that takes place within informal settings. He has published in areas such as the recognition of prior learning and the role of field work within the curricula or geography and environmental studies programmes. Ian was one of the institution leads on the 'Transforming the Experience of Students Through Assessment' (TESTA) project. Ian's scholarship and research underpins his practice as a lecturer and an academic staff developer. He endeavours to reflect on every avenue of learning, teaching and subject knowledge, from individual 'discoveries' to national debate. This scholarship is fundamental to how he develops his own practice, and sometimes leads to controversial conclusions that he feels are worthy of wider debate. His most recent paper for example, challenges the notion of using learning outcomes as the bedrock of curriculum design. Ian has taught across a variety of contexts and subjects and considers that his flexibility and adaptability stems from an open mind and a positive disposition towards change and development. Ian is currently working on a learning gain project funded by HEFCE.