Senior Moments - the path to gaining SFHEA at UWS Dr David A Ross, Director of the Centre for Academic Practice and Learning Development, University of.

Senior Moments - the path to gaining SFHEA at UWS

Dr David A Ross, Director of the Centre for Academic Practice and Learning Development, University of the West of Scotland

with thanks to Louisa Sheward, Moira Lewitt and Adrian Egglestone

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University

The Importance of Professional Development in HE

• The increasing need (BIS, 2011 White Paper) to demonstrate the quality of our teaching (to….all stakeholders, students, HESA, KIS)

• HEA Professional Standards Framework• Will help focus on staff professionalism and

accreditation

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University

Professional Development at UWS

• PgCert in Learning and Teaching in HE since 2002 – leads to NMC and HEA ( Associate and Fellow) accreditation

• New UWS Fellowship Scheme (Levels 1-4 of PSF) accredited by HEA in November 2012, in operation since February 2013

• Now developing comprehensive CPD Framework for UWS Academic and related staff (may include associate colleges abroad)Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27

February, Edinburgh Napier University

UWS CPD Framework

UWS Fellowship Scheme

CPDNeeds

Activity

The Bigger Picture at UWS

UWS PDR Process

HEA UKPSF

Descriptor 1

Descriptor 2

Descriptor 3

Descriptor 4

Identify

Review

Record

Do

Evaluate

Objectives

UWS LTAS (2013)

• Value 6 - We resource continuous staff development in learning, teaching and assessment by reward, recognition and support for HEA Fellowship achievement

• Achievement 6 - Accreditation of eligible staff by HEA will increase to 400 (by 2015) and continue to grow towards 100%.

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University

UWS Fellowship Scheme• The UWS Fellowship Scheme is

for experienced staff who teach and/or support student learning.

• Is accredited by the Higher Education Academy, and offers the opportunity to gain HEA Fellowship at four levels: Associate, Fellow, Senior and Principal

• Is based on the United Kingdom Professional Standard Framework (UKPSF) (2011)

• The UWS Fellowship Scheme is a means to recognise what you may already be doing!

Status (1)

• January 2014:– 265 staff accredited– Associate (24), – Fellow (235) – Senior Fellow (6)

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University

Targets!

• 400 (all Levels) by 2015• 100% achievement in

UWS Fellowship Scheme by 2017

GULP!

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University

Targets!! Start 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 Totals at

each Level

Associate 24 20 10 25 25 104

Fellowship 235 55 20 100 100 510

Senior and Principal

6 20 10 25 25 86

Total expansion

Na 95 40 150 150 Na

Overall cumulative Total

265 360 400 550 700

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University

UWS Fellowship Scheme

• Support– CAPLeD all the way through– Detailed handbook– Introductory Workshop (Compulsory)– 3 optional workshops: Peer Observation, Reflective

Writing and Academic Leadership and Mentoring)– Mentored guidance throughout– Feedback on drafts

• Accreditation– Internal panel with an external representativeStaff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27

February, Edinburgh Napier University

Senior Fellow: Descriptor 3 Demonstrates a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as a key contribution to high quality student learning. Individuals should be able to provide evidence of: Successful engagement across all five Areas of Activity; I. Appropriate knowledge and understanding across all

aspects of Core Knowledge; II. A commitment to all the Professional Values; III. Successful engagement in appropriate teaching

practices related to the Areas of Activity; IV. Successful incorporation of subject and pedagogic

research and/or scholarship within the above activities, as part of an integrated approach to academic practice;

V. Successful engagement in continuing professional development in relation to teaching, learning, assessment, scholarship and, as appropriate, related academic or professional practices;

VI. Successful co-ordination, support, supervision, management and/or mentoring of others (whether individuals and/or teams) in relation to teaching and learning.

Examples of Staff Groups a. Experienced staff able to demonstrate, impact and influence through, for example, responsibility for leading, managing or organising programmes, subjects and/or disciplinary areas b. Experienced subject mentors and staff who support those new to teaching c. Experienced staff with departmental and/or wider teaching and learning support advisory responsibilities within an institution

UKPSF: Descriptors

• Senior Fellow…sustained record of effectiveness in organisation, leadership, mentoring

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University

Application for Senior Fellow

• Attend UWS Fellowship Scheme Introduction Workshop• Engage in relevant CPD Activities • Complete a 6000 word (approx.) Account of Professional

Practice (APP) as a teacher and/or supporter of student learning. This should:

• Complete a Peer teaching observation by and of a colleague of your choice.

• Appropriately map the evidence provided within the application against the UKPSF.

• Submit two references to support your application. One must be provided by a current employee of the University of the West of Scotland. References must be able to comment on the applicant’s professional practice.

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University

Evaluation of First Cohort

• 23 started – 8 completed by August 2013• Approx 35 hours to complete an application• Feeling of a lot of work (busy people, lack of

support from Schools and Departments?)• Value of workshops, handbook, mentoring

and feedback on drafts recognised

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University

Status (2)

• We have seen a range of quality in applications– Under-estimating time to apply– “Statements” versus evidence and reflection– Reluctance to use “I”

• Responding well to feedback (reflective writing, reducing appendices)

• SF and PF in particular resulting in need for extensive feedbackStaff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27

February, Edinburgh Napier University

Questions

Staff: enhancing teaching day conference, 27 February, Edinburgh Napier University