International Masters Programme (IMP) including PgCert The National Award for Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCo Award) Periodic Review 2014 -15
Panel discussions led to the following conclusions in respect of the range of programmes reviewed.
Conclusions on Innovation and Good Practice:
The Panel recognised that:
· The learning on the IMP has been transformational in meeting the professional and personal ambitions of at least some students
· The opportunities for a staged involvement in learning, through, for example, initial engagement in CPD and then one module at a time has been beneficial in drawing students into masters level work
· The quality of feedback on assessed work was good
· The guidance provided to students in structuring the assessments in the SENCo programme is an example of good practice
· The students were able to tailor their study to their practice and this contributed to raising student aspirations for their future practice
Conclusions on Quality and Standards:
The Panel confirmed that quality and standards was appropriate.
Conclusions on whether the programmes remain current and valid in light of developing knowledge in the discipline, practice in its application and developments in teaching and learning:
The Panel noted the following:
· the adaptability of the content and curriculum which allows the programmes to remain valid in a rapidly changing policy field. This was particularly relevant in the growing professionalism of support for students with SEN.
· The seeking and developing of new markets, particularly internationally
The Panel concluded:
· That the curriculum for the RESINED be reviewed to ensure that it is current and includes an appropriate variety of contemporary paradigms.
Forward looking recommendations for actions to remedy any identified shortcomings, and for further enhancement of quality and standards:
The Panel was confident, from the final discussion with senior staff, that the Institute had already recognised, and was addressing several of the issues raised throughout the review process and recommended that:
· Reapproval of the MA Education takes place before any new students are recruited
· The delivery and administration of the IMP be addressed so that the programme can work both effectively and efficiently within the University regulatory framework, which includes the provision of named awards. The Panel notes that this is a shared responsibility of academic and support staff
· The IMP considers the way in which student data are collected, to ensure that it is informed in a reliable and timely manner about the number of students, their programmes of study, progression and achievement
· The offer to students be redefined and focussed on the strengths of the Team in areas of research, and particularly, the subject areas of early child studies, mathematics and special educational needs (SEN).
· Strategic criteria be developed for initiating and evaluating work with others, recognising that viability of the programme is influenced by its responsiveness to international markets and a variety of educational settings
· Consistency and continuity of support for students in each programme be provided through a personal tutor system or equivalent
· Ways to maintain a community of practice among alumni be considered
· Activities, knowledge and values underpinning the IMP be reviewed for relevance to multicultural cohorts
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