English Language Centre 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 was pleased to commend the following:

  • The ELC has a good reputation within the sector (e.g. through membership of BALEAP[1])
  • Many examples of innovation and good practice was evidenced e.g. student centred work, formative and summative assessments, the alignment with the University agendas of employability and sustainability
  • The wide range of extracurricular support provided, which is fundamental to the student experience. This support included the HELLO project, the English Club,the English Language Café, mentoring and a wide range of non-credit rated support in the form of tutorials, workshops and classes, which were all seen as welcoming and friendly by the students
  • Developing relationships with other programmes/leaders both within and outside the Faculty, which allows responsiveness to the needs of other programmes
  • Consistently good reports from external examiners, which showed that the Team was responsive to suggestions for change

Conclusions on Quality and Standards:

The Panel was satisfied that quality and standards was appropriatefor the provision.

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 was confident that the provision was current and valid and noted:

  • The Teaching Fellowship Award in exploring the use of technology in assessment.
  • A proactive, dedicated and enthusiastic team but with limited resource.
  • An active research strategy, which maintains a good academic profile.

Forward looking recommendations for actions to remedy any identified shortcomings, and for further enhancement of quality and standards:

The Panel recommended the following:

  • Resource constraints are a serious concern for the sustained delivery of the provision. The Panel feel it appropriate to refer the issues relating to the following to the Interim Deputy Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor (Student Experience) for resolution:
  • Timetabling and rooms for pre-sessional courses (Early confirmation and stability of room bookings is needed to free up the Academic Manager for their academic role rather than negotiating for rooms over many months. Rooms for the pre-sessional classes need to have priority over open days and exams and need to be of a high quality in order to create a favourable first impression for the institution).
  • Residential accommodation for pre-sessional courses (Issues include whether the cost of residential accommodation for pre-sessional students can be accepted as a loss leader by the University; whether the students can be accommodated in quality and quiet halls; whether the issue over student move out dates can be resolved; and the timing of training of Residence Assistants to facilitate airport collection).
  • Admissions and Finance (A system is needed for the communication of the status of students from Admissions to Finance).

These issues need to be resolved to ensure that the University’s Internationalisation Strategy is operational and deliverable. The changes should result in new permanent systems (such as work flow diagrams and job descriptions) that facilitate the work of the ELC as part of the University’s core business and operation across the whole calendar year (rather than just the academic year).

  • The need for dedicated space for the ELC in one location with teaching rooms, staff space and signage to raise visibility.
  • More support for existing activities shown to contribute to, and enhance, the student experience (e.g. English Language Café, English Club) and for the development of new initiatives, such as a family club or courses for spouses of students.
  • To consider ways to evidence added value from the work of the ELC (as a means of monitoring student performance and the impact of semesterisation on the language learning taking place, as well as enhancing promotion through marketing messages and reviewing resources needed).
  • To explore opportunities in which the ELC might disseminate their expertise in providing student feedback, group work training and internationalisation across the University as part of a more outward facing approach.

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[1] The Global Forum for EAP (English for Academic Purposes) Professionals