Learner Forum ― Notes of Meeting
Centre for Sport, Tourism & Community Learning
Thursday 14th & Friday 15th January 2010
FacilitatorsCath CUNNINGHAM / Department Manager, Community Learning
Bryan Mccabe / Department Manager, Tourism & Hospitality
Learner Representatives
Stacie ADSLEY / NQ Introduction to Catering and Hospitality (St Brycedale)
Isla CARLYLE / NC Uniformed Services (St Brycedale)
Jennifer CHAN / HND Event Management
Sharon CHRISTIE / NQ Introduction to Catering and Hospitality (St Brycedale)
Craig COMRIE / NQ Travel and Tourism (St Brycedale)
Phil COOK / NQ Professional Cookery
Christopher COWAN / NQ Introduction to Catering & Hospitality (Stenton)
William DICKSON / HND Hospitality Management
Aimee DOIG / NQ Travel and Tourism (St Brycedale)
Gregor DOW / HND Sports Coaching with Development of Sport
Jade FRIEDMAN / HND Event Management
Paula GABELLONE / NQ Catering (Stenton)
Richard GALLACHER / HND Fitness, Health and Exercise (St Brycedale)
Claire GOWANS / NQ Travel and Tourism (St Brycedale)
Lisa HAMMER / General English
Chantelle HUTTON / NQ Catering (St Brycedale)
Natalie HUTTON / NQ Travel & Tourism (St Brycedale)
Karen MCLAREN / HNC Professional Cookery
Paul MONTGOMERY / NQ Catering (St Brycedale)
Michaela MORRISON / NC Introduction to Sport and Fitness (St Brycedale)
Michat NOWACZYK / General English
Gary REID / NC Uniformed Services (Stenton)
Giselle RIVAS-CUMMINS / HND Event Management
Artur SKEJKA / General English Intermediate 2
Kathryn WATSON / NQ Catering (Stenton)
Caroline WHITEMAN / NQ Applied Sport and Fitness (St Brycedale)
Dariusz WOJCIK / General English
Thinking back over your experiences of being a student at Adam Smith College:
1.How has your past year in College matched up with your expectations?
The experience overall has been positive. The content and delivery has exceeded expectations for most course however some groups felt they were too theoretical. The level of teaching has been better than expected. Some organisational problems have occurred such as timetable changes, staff not appearing or being off sick but this not being communicated to students. Returning students felt the organisation had improved.
2.What have been the best things about your year as a student at Adam Smith College?
The practical side in sports and hospitality has been the best. Many groups identified the extra curriculum activities especially events and functions which were used to reinforce the learning. For some students the standard of Lecturers however this was not always the case. Valuable work experience was also identified as was the good industry links. Most groups identified the friends they had made throughout the year.
3.How would you describe your academic experience, i.e. the quality of your learning and teaching?
Overall this has been very good with a wide range of learning styles adopted. Most staff were organised however some continue to arrive late for classes. Younger students felt that some staff discriminated them in favour of mature students. Some students felt class sizes were too big in practical situations. Returning students identified that was more linkage across the programme this year.
4.Describe your interactions with your lecturers.
Overall this is very positive. Most staff were approachable especially these within the Centre. Some staff are not helpful and are never wrong (Sports and Tourism were mentioned not hospitality and ESOL) Some groups identified that core skills staff were unapproachable.
5.Describe the advice, support or guidance that you’ve been given.
Groups felt that the information given prior too enrolment was sparse. Reasons for decisions with finance should be explained to students to help their understanding of the decision. There was a mixed response with regards learning support with students experience ranging from superb to very poor.
6.How have your responsibilities outside of College affected your experience as a student?
Many students have to balance work with college life making it difficult. Others have issue with child care and care which affect their college life. Timetables are not always user friendly but staff understands the issues and are supportive.
7.Has the College provided any services which have helped you cope with being a student with responsibilities outside of College?
Some students have been able to find employment through having CV’s completed. Out of school child help was organised through the college which was very welcome.
8.Was there any time during the year when you’ve had an experience that’s been particularly negative?
Classroom behaviour in some groups has created a negative experience. Lack of information at the start of term (pre-enrolments) created a negative start to term. Change of Lecturers during term caused problems with groups who struggled to adjust to changes of learning styles. In some cases Lecturers with less knowledge of subjects were given groups. Some groups identified that they could not get onto Learning and teaching gateway which put them at a disadvantage.
9.Where you able to do anything to improve the situation?
Some staff has helped deal with poor behaviour and as the academic year has progressed many issues have stopped. The Learning and Teaching gateway problem was finally resolved by the Curriculum Head.
10.What could have helped?
Able to attend information sessions would have communicated information with regards course content.
11.Are there innovative things the College could do to help students succeed?
Y5 in the Rotunda. Cross College Initiatives. Especially in the Events field as many programmes now organise events but there is no mechanism for a central support system.
12.What does this College do right that helps you stay in College?
Motivate students, encourage students to learn, listen. Competition work and some good external visits have encouraged students to stay. Vocational relevance has also made the course more enjoyable.
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