Supporting Educational Excellence at Brunel University London

Brunel Educational Excellence Centre

Supporting Educational Excellence at Brunel University London 101

Contents 1 Introduction 4 Introducing the Brunel Educational Excellence Centre 8 APEX and HEA Recognition APEX 1 APEX 2 APEX Open Workshops 16 Additional Academic Practice Workshops 36 APEX Forum

Introduction Welcome to this 2015-16 brochure outlining the support that the Brunel Educational Excellence Centre (BEEC) provides for staff.

BEEC’s aim is to promote, support and enhance excellence in learning and teaching across the University and we have developed a comprehensive programme of workshops and services to support staff in developing their skills, knowledge and abilities further in order to do their jobs better and to develop their careers. Dr Fiona Denney Director Brunel Educational Excellence Centre

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BEEC is also proud to introduce the APEX continuous professional development framework to you for the first time. The UK has a national Professional Standards Framework (the UKPSF), against which the workshops and programmes through APEX are mapped. In addition, we have accreditation from the Higher Education Academy (the HEA), which means that colleagues can obtain recognition at the various fellowship categories from engaging with the APEX routes to recognition. BEEC is aiming to provide a high quality experience for staff attending all our activities and we greatly value your feedback. Please do let us know what you think of what we are offering herewith, whether there are additional workshops and activities that you would like to see included and also whether you have skills and experiences that you would like to share – perhaps through an APEX Forum event. (see page 36 for further information on the APEX Forum) We look forward to hearing from you! Lastly I would like to encourage you to take up the opportunities offered here. This is one key way in which Brunel University London is investing in YOUR career development and providing you with support - so please don’t miss out! With all best wishes Dr Fiona Denney Director Brunel Educational Excellence Centre Email: [email protected]

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Introducing the Brunel Educational Excellence Centre BEEC comprises four core teams who work closely with a number of partners across the University. The following information introduces you to the BEEC teams and what they do:

ASK The ASK Academic Skills Service supports Brunel students by helping them to develop the skills they need to learn independently and thrive academically, whatever their level or subject. We teach workshops on academic writing, study skills, maths and statistics and provide 1-2-1 support in these areas through appointments and drop-ins. We collaborate with academic staff to embed study skills development within modules, and we also offer a range of online resources. To find out more visit our website, www.brunel.ac.uk/ask, or email us via [email protected].

Learning Technology Team (LTT) The Learning Technology Team (LTT) provides support to staff in their use of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) at Brunel. We focus on a series of TEL tools which enable academics to enhance their learning provision for students in the endeavour to foster confident, talented and versatile graduates. LTT provide advice and consultation on a range of TEL informed pedagogical approaches, and this takes the form of training and workshops, oneto-one support and guidance, and

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examples of good practice. The team is headed up by our Technology Enhanced Learning Manager, Dr Mark Dawson, and includes Collegespecific TEL Advisors, a TEL Developer and central Administrator. We can be found in room 019d of the Bannerman Centre, or contacted via [email protected].

International Pathways and Language Centre (IPLC) The International Pathways and Language Centre is recognised by the British Council as a Centre of Excellence and ranked as one of the top UK Language Centres. Similarly, our In-sessional Academic English provision was ranked first in London and third in the UK in the latest International Student Barometer results. The International Pathways and Language Centre offers Academic English training and support to Presessional and In-sessional students. In-sessional students can choose to attend tailor-made Academic English courses, general courses in Academic English skills and one-to-one support. Staff whose first language is not English can also benefit from one-toone support.

The Centre is located in the Russell Building and aims to enhance the Brunel learning and teaching experience for international students and staff. We have a large teaching team, which is managed by our three Programme Leaders: David Jones, In-sessional; Neil Walters, English@Brunel and Fiona Wallace, Pre-sessional; and led by the Academic Director, Sally Trevor. We can be contacted via [email protected]

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Academic Practice The Academic Practice team promotes excellence in all areas of academic practice through the University’s new APEX framework for initial and continuing professional development. We champion the embedding of the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) and promote professional recognition through the various categories of Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. We provide programmes for new academics and for postgraduates who teach and/or support learning; offer an open programme of development workshops; and provide mentoring and other individual support. We also work with departments and programme teams to develop specific aspects of practice. The team is based in LECT020 and includes: Dr Martyn Clark (Head of Academic Practice) John Francis (Academic Practice Advisor) Carole Lorrington (Professional Programmes Administrator) Enquiries can be made via beec-academicpractice@brunel. ac.uk

BEEC Central Team The BEEC central team comprises the Director of BEEC, Dr Fiona Denney and her PA and the BEEC Administrator, Dawn Aiton. Fiona and Dawn are based in LECT 020 and can be contacted by emailing [email protected]

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APEX and HEA Recognition Higher Education Academy (HEA) accreditation provides external confirmation that initial and continuing professional development provision offered through APEX is aligned with the UKPSF. This means that successful participants can be awarded one of the four categories of Fellowship of the HEA (and their associated post-nominal letters):

APEX 1

• Associate Fellowship (AFHEA)

The APEX 1 programme is for postgraduate research students with a significant and sustained teaching commitment. Participants are required to have undertaken at least the APEX 1 induction before commencing their duties in relation to teaching and/or supporting learning. The programme lasts for one year and includes

• Fellowship (FHEA)

• Induction

• Senior Fellowship (SFHEA)

• A programme of compulsory workshops

• Principal Fellowship1 (PFHEA) In the UK it is increasingly the norm that new academic staff are required as a condition of appointment to gain recognition as Fellows of the HEA. Similarly, many universities have adopted policies promoting recognition for other staff, including both more senior academics and professional services staff who teach and/or support learning, as part of a continuing drive to improve experiences for students. To date over 61,000 individuals have been awarded some category of fellowship in recognition that their professional practice demonstrates successful engagement with the dimensions of the UKPSF and the requirements of the relevant descriptor. HEA Fellows are required to demonstrate their ‘good-standing’ and APEX will help individuals both to engage in relevant continuing professional development and evidence this as required. APEX also provides opportunities to work towards further categories of fellowship.

• Observation of teaching • Mentoring • Progress reviews • Submission of a portfolio of evidence Successful participation in APEX 1 leads to Associate Fellowship of the HEA. APEX 1 will run twice during 2015-16 with courses starting respectively in September and January. It is important that participants have relevant teaching duties in the term during which they begin APEX 1 and throughout the course. To complete the programme successfully participants will be required to attend all scheduled workshops.

Claims for Principal Fellowship are submitted directly to the HEA

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Autumn Term Postgraduate research students who have not undertaken an initial teaching programme (e.g. GLTP or other course leading to Associate Fellowship of the HEA) and who have significant and sustained teaching duties during the Autumn Term must register as soon as possible. To register please email [email protected] for further information. Dates/Times

Workshop

UKPSF Mapping

Tuesday 15 September Induction 9.30 - 16.30

D1

Tuesday 29 September Learning 10.00 - 12.00

A1; A2; K1; K2; K3; V3; V4

Tuesday 13 October 10.00 - 12.00

Teaching

A1; A2; K1; K2; K3; K4; V3; V4


Preparing the RAP

D1

Tuesday 10 November 10.00 - 12.00

Assessment

A3; K2; K3; K4; K6; V3; V4

Tuesday 24 November Feedback 10.00 - 12.00

A3; K2; K3; K4; K6 V3; V4

Tuesday 8 December 10.00 - 12.00

D1

Preparing the Case Study and Development Plan

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Spring Term Postgraduate research students who have not undertaken an initial teaching programme (e.g. GLTP or other course leading to Associate Fellowship of the HEA) and who have significant and sustained teaching duties during the Spring Term must register before 1 January 2015. To register please email [email protected] for further information Dates/Times

Workshop

UKPSF Mapping

Tuesday 12 January 9.30 - 16.30

Induction

D1


Learning

A1; A2; K1; K2; K3; V3; V4

Tuesday 9 February 10.00 - 12.00

Teaching

A1; A2; K1; K2; K3; K4; V3; V4


Preparing the RAP

D1

Tuesday 8 March 10.00 - 12.00

Assessment

A3; K2; K3; K4; K6; V3; V4

Tuesday 12 April Feedback A3; K2; K3; K4; K6; V3; V4 10.00 - 12.00 Tuesday 26 April 10.00 - 12.00

Preparing the Case Study and Development Plan

D1

PhD students who are interested in pursuing academic careers but who have less than 6 hours regular teaching duties per week, on average, should undertake the 2-day Introduction to Teaching for Postgraduate Research Students workshop detailed in the list of workshops starting on page 16.

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APEX 2 APEX 2 is for probationary academics. It is a two year programme with support from a mentor and an Academic Practice Advisor. In the first year the programme includes a number of compulsory workshops and a group project relating to the development of learning and teaching in the University and/or promoting alignment and engagement with the Dimensions of the UKPSF. In the second year participants attend by arrangement a number of workshops from the APEX programme as well as producing a portfolio of evidence including reflections on practice; reports on teaching observations; a case study; and a development plan. Successful participation in APEX 2 leads to Fellowship of the HEA. APEX 2 is structured as follows: September intake

January intake

Workshop

September - December

January - May

Scheduled workshops

January - July


Group project


January- May Individual negotiated workshop programme

January - July


Complete submission for assessment

It is important that participants have relevant teaching duties in the term during which they begin the APEX 2 course. 11

Autumn Term Eligible participants will be contacted by the Academic Practice team by 31 August. Dates/Times

Workshop

UKPSF Mapping

Thursday 17 September Induction 9.30 - 16.30

D2

Thursday 1 October 9.30 - 12.30

Observation of Teaching

A2; A5; K5; K6; V3; V4


Designing Learning Opportunities

A1; K1; K2; K3; K5; V1; V3; V4


Learning

A1; A2; K1; K2; K3; K4; K5; V1; V3; V4

Thursday 12 November Teaching 9.30 - 12.30

A1; A2; K1; K2; K3; K4; K5; V1; V3; V4

Thursday 26 November Assessment and Feedback 9.30 - 12.30

A1; A3; K1; K2; K3; K4; K5; V1; V3; V4

Thursday 10 December Preparing the Group Project 9.30 - 12.30

D2

D

Preparing the Final Submission

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Spring Term Eligible participants will be contacted by the Academic Practice team by 4 January. Dates/Times

Workshop

UKPSF Mapping

Thursday 14 January 9.30 - 16.30

Induction

D2


Observation of Teaching

A2; A5; K5; K6; V3; V4

Thursday 11 February 9.30 - 12.30

Designing Learning Opportunities

A1; K1; K2; K3; K5; V1; V3; V4


Learning

A1; A2; K1; K2; K3; K4; K5; V1; V3; V4

Thursday 10 March 9.30 - 12.30

Teaching

A1; A2; K1; K2; K3; K4; K5; V1; V3; V4

Thursday 14 April 9.30 - 12.30

Assessment and Feedback

A1; A3; K1; K2; K3; K4; K5; V1; V3; V4


Preparing the Group Project

D2

Preparing the Final Submission

D2

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APEX Open APEX Open is a route to HEA recognition for all Brunel colleagues who teach and/or support learning. Support is provided by trained mentors who are established HEA fellows who will advise on an individual CPD programme and on the evidence required for recognition. Applicants for recognition will be expected to have attended the workshops entitled ‘Reflective Practice and the UKPSF’ and ‘Preparing an APEX Submission’ as well as other relevant APEX Open workshops, listed under the section entitled “Workshops to Support APEX Submissions”. Submissions for recognition take the form of a portfolio of evidence including: evidence of reflective practice; outcomes from teaching observations; case studies and plans for further professional development. To begin the recognition process contact [email protected]

APEX Workshops Apex Workshops are intended for the majority of academic staff and those supporting learning and teaching across Brunel. These workshops support staff when they take on specific roles (such as personal tutoring or chairing examination boards) and the Open Workshop descriptions in this brochure clearly indicate who the workshops are intended for.

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APEX Open Workshops to Support APEX Open Submissions: Dates/Times

Workshop

UKPSF Mapping

Tuesday 22 September 10.00 - 16.00

APEX Open – Reflective Practice and the UKPSF

D2; D3; D4

Tuesday 15 December 10.00 – 16.00 Tuesday 16 February 10.00 - 16.00 Thursday 7 April 10.00 - 16.00 Tuesday 3 November 9.30 - 12.30

APEX Open – Preparing an APEX Submission

D2; D3; D4

APEX Open - Evidencing Practice

D2; D3; D4

Tuesday 18 January 9.30 - 12.30 Tuesday 15 March 9.30 - 12.30 Thursday 17 December 10.00 - 12.30 Thursday 3 March 10.00 - 12.30 Tuesday 3 May 10.00 - 12.30 Thursday 19 November PebblePad for APEX Open 10.00 - 12.30

D2; D3; D4

Thursday 18 February 10.00 - 12.30 Thursday 26 May 10.00 - 12.30 Thursday 8 October 9.30 - 12.30

APEX Open - Shut up and Write

D2; D3; D4

Tuesday 24 November 13.30 - 16.30 Thursday 21 January 13.30 - 16.30 Thursday 17 March 9.30 - 12.30

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Additional Academic Practice Workshops The following workshops are open to all academic staff, regardless of whether they are applying through any of the APEX routes or not. To book onto any of these workshops, please visit intra.brunel.ac.uk/s/beec/acad/Workshops/ Workshops.aspx and use our online booking facility. Please note that we will also be adding additional workshops throughout the year based on demand, so please check the link above regularly to keep updated on anything extra we may have added. Workshops to Support Effective Teaching and Learning: Dates/Times


Wednesday 2 December Tuesday 2 February 9.30 - 16.00 9.30 - 16.00

Wednesday 9 September Thursday 3 December 9.30 - 16.00 9.30 - 16.00 Workshop

Wednesday 3 February 9.30 - 16.00

Introduction to Teaching for Postgraduate Research Students This two-day workshop is for postgraduate research students who are about to start teaching and/or supporting learning and who are not eligible for the APEX 1 programme. You should complete this workshop before you begin your teaching/supporting learning.

Facilitator

Dr Fiona Denney, Director, BEEC Dr Martyn Clark, Head of Academic Practice, BEEC John Francis, Academic Development Advisor, BEEC

Dates/Times

Thursday 1 October 13.30 – 16.30

Workshop

Doctoral Supervision for New Supervisors

Thursday 14 January 13.30 – 16.30

Thursday 14 April 13.30 – 16.30

This course is suitable for you if you: • Have never supervised research students before • Have just started supervising postgraduate research degrees • Have supervised two or fewer students to completion This course includes an introduction to the national and institutional contexts for postgraduate research degrees, the Code of Practice and other policies and procedures, as well as support services that are available to students and their supervisors. There will also be discussion focusing on supervisory skills, roles and styles and problems that can arise during research degree supervision. Facilitator

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Dr Fiona Denney, Director, BEEC

Dates/Times

Thursday 8 October 13.30 – 14.30

Workshop

Doctoral Supervision – An Update for Experienced Supervisors

Thursday 21 January 13.30 – 14.30

Thursday 21 April 13.30 – 14.30

This course is suitable for you if you: • Have supervised three or more students to completion but have never attended a supervisor training course • Attended a supervisor training course 5 or more years ago • Have moved to Brunel from another institution where you were an experienced supervisor This course includes a short review of the Code of Practice and institutional policies and procedures that have changed recently, as well as discussion enabling supervisors to share good practice. Facilitator


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Dates/Times

Monday 12 October 12.00 - 14.00 and

Monday 18 January 12.00 - 14.00 and

Tuesday 19 April 12.00 - 14.00

Participants need to attend ALL 3 sessions Workshop

Student Engagement In these workshops you will have opportunities to explore the idea of student engagement and how you can use the idea to develop your academic practice. You will learn about sector guidance and frameworks and explore examples of good practice. Session 1: Developing effective engagement strategies Session 2: Developing learning communities and mapping the territory: working in partnership Session 3: Inclusive and student-led learning: Building a sense of belonging.

Facilitator

Craig Best, Quality Enhancement Officer

Dates/Times

Thursday 15 October 2015 14.00 - 16.00

Workshop

Supervising UG and PGT Projects This workshop will provide an overview of some of the key issues that academic staff need to consider when supervising undergraduate and Master’s degree projects and dissertations. The workshop will cover aspects such as: • Establishing student expectations for supervisor support • Supporting the student in setting appropriate parameters for their project and managing the project • Identifying potential problems and knowing where to obtain help and assistance

Facilitator

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Dr Fiona Denney, Director, BEEC and Dr Martyn Clark, Head of Academic Practice, BEEC

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Dates/Times

Wednesday 4 November Wednesday 3 February 14.00 - 16.00 10.30 - 12.30

Workshop

Technology and Effective Learning All teachers have some theory of what teaching is and these theories have a significant effect on the kind of learning environments they create. In this workshop you will explore your own theories about teaching and supporting learning and discuss ways in which learning technologies can be used to enhance the experience and success of your learners. A number of technologies will be demonstrated and examples of their use in teaching discussed. You will develop an action plan for developing your practice and identify sources of help and support.

Facilitator

Dr Mark Dawson, Technology Enhanced Learning Manager, BEEC and Dr Martyn Clark, Head of Academic Practice, BEEC

Dates/Times

Thursday 19 November 14.00 - 15.30

Workshop

Pronunciation


The aims of the workshop are that participants understand which aspects of English pronunciation cause particular difficulty in understanding and practise strategies for dealing with them. There will be follow-up classes for those who require more practise and feedback. Participants can expect to leave the workshop having: • practised some of the key aspects of English pronunciation in an academic context; • received feedback on strengths and weaknesses; • received advice for improvement. Who should attend? Academic staff at Brunel whose first language is not English and who believe their pronunciation can cause difficulties in understanding. Facilitator

David Jones, In-Sessional Programme Leader, IPLC, BEEC Sally Trevor, Academic Director, IPLC, BEEC

Dates/Times

Wednesday 9 December Thursday 21 January 10.00 - 12.00 15.00 - 17.00

Workshop

Widening Participation, Inclusion and Diversity In this workshop you will learn about the Widening Participation Programme, a national, government-funded initiative to increase the number of young people and adults from under-represented backgrounds progressing to higher education.

Facilitator 20

Dr Beverley Crooks, Widening Participation Officer

Dates/Times


Workshop

Embedding Information Literacy in the Curriculum What is information and digital literacy and why is it important? Are the skills involved purely for life at university or do they enable lifelong learning and increased employability? In this workshop you will learn about models of information literacy and how they can be used to facilitate students’ learning.

Facilitator

Rowena Macrae-Gibson, Head of Library Academic Services

Dates/Times


Workshop

Copyright for Teaching In this workshop you will learn how to use copyright materials for teaching and learning, what you can do and what the terms of use are. • Books and journals, sound and film, images and multimedia, lecture notes and presentations • Blackboard and copyright materials • Digital readings • Examinations

Facilitator

Rowena Macrae-Gibson, Head of Library Academic Services

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Workshops to Support Effective Research: Dates/Times


Workshop

Open Access and Scholarly Publishing In this workshop, you will learn about the drivers for the recent shift in government and funding body policy towards open access in scholarly publishing, how the University has implemented these in its own procedures and services, and the impact on staff and student researchers. After this session you will be able to: • Identify why open access is important for all stakeholders • Explain the difference between Green and Gold open access publishing routes • Deposit your publications in the University’s internal database, BRAD, for archiving in BURA, the institutional repository • Be able to apply for open access funding • Make your publications open access in line with University and any applicable funder policies • Be able to use tools to assess whether your publication route will comply with University, REF or other funder policies • Be able to evaluate publishers, using available resources to help identify potential predatory publishers

Facilitator

Library Research Support Team

Dates/Times

Wednesday 21 October 12.00 - 14.00

Workshop

Research Integrity: Isn’t it Obvious?


In this workshop you will explore a number of typical assumptions about research integrity; examine some notorious cases of research fraud; and discuss how you can develop your own practice to avoid common issues and pitfalls. Facilitator

Dr James Parry, Chief Executive of the UK Research Integrity Office and Professor Clare Williams, Dean of Research for Brunel University London

Dates/Times

Wednesday 28 October 9.00 - 13.00

Workshop

Research Ethics – Processes and Procedures


Wednesday 18 May 9.00 - 13.00

In this workshop you will learn about Brunel’s processes and procedures relating to research ethics. Facilitator

David Anderson-Ford, Director of Research Ethics and Governance

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Dates/Times

Tuesday 3 November 14.00 - 16.00

Workshop

Managing Research Data: Policy, Principles and Practice In this workshop, you will learn about the drivers for the recent shift in government policy towards open access for research data and how the University can help you manage your research data effectively and efficiently in line with the University and funders’ requirements. After this session you will be able to • Identify what and why research data management is important • Know what is expected of you by the University and your funder • Be able to construct a data management plan using available online tools • Understand the key requirements for good research data management practice throughout the research lifecycle, from creation to preserving your data long term • Develop strategies and best practice for managing, storing and sharing research data and apply and embed research data management into your working practices • Be able to use available tools and facilities provided by the University to manage your research data effectively in line with institutional and funding body requirements

Facilitator

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Catharine Bailey, Research Data Manager Aneesha Mohan, Research Data Manager

Dates/Times


Workshop

The Art and Craft of Good Writing Are you confident that your writing matches the quality of your ideas? Do you want to develop your effectiveness as an academic writer? Would you like to write clearly, stylishly and well? Led by an experienced author, editor and Consultant Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund, this half-day workshop aims to establish some ground rules for good writing, thereby helping you to develop your own voice and style. The first part of the workshop is devoted to the art of storytelling. Through group and individual writing exercises, examples of good practice, peer review and tutor-led discussion you will learn how to define your audience and purpose; how to engage and sustain the reader’s interest with compelling openings, research questions, hooks and signposts; and how to structure a persuasive argument. The second part of the workshop focuses on the craft aspects of writing: clarity, vigour, concision, sentence and paragraph construction. It also offers a brief introduction to editing techniques, which are developed further in a parallel workshop. After the session you will be better able to: • Shape a coherent and compelling narrative • Sharpen your focus in terms of audience, content and desired impact • Engage and sustain your reader’s interest • Develop a persuasive argument • Write with clarity, vigour and precision • Construct paragraphs to aid flow and modulate your argument • Edit your writing effectively

Facilitator

Jennifer Potter, accredited Royal Literary Fund (RLF) Consultant Fellow

Dates/Times


Workshop

Maximising your Literature Search In this workshop you will learn how to use features of EBSCO databases, such as Academic Search Complete and Business Source Premier. You will go beyond basic keyword searching, using structured searching for quality results. Journal quality will be considered, making use of journal quality lists, the Journal Citation Reports and Scopus Journal Analytics. You will also learn how to save searches and set up search alerts, enabling you to maximise the time spent analysing results. We include: • Index/thesaurus searching • Searching in a list of specific journals • Citation information and bibliometrics

Facilitator

Rowena Macrae-Gibson, Head of Library Academic Services Alice Cann, Subject Liaison Librarian 25

Dates/Times

Thursday 3 December 13.30 - 16.30

Workshop

Effective Editing This half-day workshop offers academic staff an intensive induction into the theory and practice of editing their own writing. Prior to the workshop, you will be asked to submit issues of syntax or grammar you want to discuss; and you should bring to the workshop up to 750 words of your own writing on which to practise the techniques learned. The course first sets out to define what good writing means to participants, with a view to helping you define your own strengths and weaknesses as a writer. You will learn to differentiate between substantive editing (also known as developmental or ‘deep’ editing), copy-editing and simple proof-reading, and to devise a strategy for editing effectively. Through group and individual writing exercises, examples of good practice, peer review and focused class discussion, you will learn how to improve your paragraph and sentence construction, and how to master techniques that aid clarity, vigour, concision and flow. The final half hour is devoted to editing your own writing, using the techniques and insights you have gained. By the end of the workshop you will be better able to: • Identify the essential components of good writing • Assess your own strengths and weaknesses as a writer • Differentiate between the different stages involved in editing a text effectively • Construct sentences and paragraphs that progress your argument • Master techniques to improve clarity, concision, vigour and flow • Eliminate faults in grammar, syntax and punctuation • Apply the lessons learned to your own writing You will come away with an edited version of your own writing and a list of recommended style guides, editing handbooks and online resources.

Facilitator

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Jennifer Potter, accredited Royal Literary Fund (RLF) Consultant Fellow

Dates/Times


Workshop

Research Project Management

Friday 4 March 9.30 - 16.00

In order to manage projects effectively we need a clear idea of outputs, outcomes and objectives. Yet inherent in pure academic research there is a fundamental difficulty in that we are on a voyage of discovery. In this workshop you will learn about managing projects successfully including: • The criteria for successful projects • Project planning techniques (including Work Breakdown, Critical Path Analysis, and Gantt Charts) • Risk analysis and issues management • How to report progress effectively, and monitor and guide the project • Influencing project teams Facilitator

Dr Steve Hutchinson, External Academic Research Consultant 27

Dates/Times

Friday 11 December 10.00 - 12.00

Workshop

Telling Your Story

Monday 21 March 10.00 - 12.00

Monday 6 June 10.00 - 12.00

Do you ever struggle with research grant proposals – what to include, how to structure it, how detailed it should be …? Do you wonder what sort of document funders really want? This short workshop, run by Brunel Royal Literary Fund Fellow, Anne Wilson, introduces a fresh approach to writing grant applications which is driven by the principles and techniques of good storytelling. Staff who attend the workshop are invited to follow up by making one-to-one appointments with Anne to work on their own grant proposals. The workshop is aimed at staff from any discipline but will benefit early career academics who want to develop their skills and improve the success rate of their grant applications. Facilitator

Anne Wilson, Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow

Dates/Times


Workshop

Managing your Professional Profile in a Digital World What social media tools are available? What do they say about you? Why is your online profile important? Having an established profile can widen the impact of your research in addition to raising your profile amongst your peers. In today’s ever connected world, you will miss out on opportunities if your profile is not visible. In this workshop you will use a range of tools, including Twitter and LinkedIn, in addition to research support tools such as BURA and ORCID to develop and enhance your profile.

Facilitator

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Rowena Macrae-Gibson, Head of Library Academic Services Shazia Arif, Subject Liaison Librarian

Dates/Times


Workshop

Managing Research Staff for Research Managers This workshop is aimed at anyone in the University who has a supervisory or managerial relationship with research staff and would benefit from understanding key issues about the roles of research staff and the wider context within which their management and supervision takes place. 1. Background and context – What’s special about managing research staff? (overview of the concordat, HRE and sector drivers) 2. Good practice in the use and management of fixed term contracts (local policies, processes and procedures plus pointers to resources and information) 3. Career aspirations and destinations – a brief exploration of patterns across the sector plus insights from local surveys and case studies (with discussion around the role of managers in supporting career development)

Facilitator

Dr Tina Ramakalawan, Graduate School Tutor Dr Fiona Denney, Director, BEEC

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Workshops for Specific Roles: Throughout the academic year we will be running a number of workshops to support staff as they move into various roles and take on new responsibilities. Please check our online booking system for regular updates on when these workshops are running. Dates/Times

Monday 14 September 12.00 - 13.00

Workshop

Becoming a Senior Tutor

Thursday 10 December 13.30 - 14.30

“So you want to be a better tutor and what does a Senior Tutor do?” This workshop is targeted at individuals who have a few years’ experience of tutoring, either at Brunel or in another situation. An insight into the behind the scenes activities of the student support and welfare departments at Brunel will be covered as well as the role of the Senior Tutor at Brunel. Academic and welfare issues are seldom separated and some complex case studies will be discussed to explore the boundaries of what a Tutor should do and when to engage the Senior Tutor or other support areas. Coaching and counselling strategies will be discussed using case studies and strategies to support the student in making his/her own decisions discussed. Facilitator

Dr Ian Dear, Dean of Students

Dates/Times


Workshop

Becoming a Member of Senate This workshop is for anyone who has recently been elected or appointed to the Senate. It is being held just ahead of the first meeting of Senate in the 2015/16 academic year. It aims to help colleagues (staff and student members) make an effective contribution to the academic governance of the University through active and well-informed participation. The session will cover: Governance of the University and the role of Senate; format of Senate meetings; how to prepare for a Senate meeting; how to contribute in a Senate meeting; and background and briefing on specific items on the agenda for the first meeting.

Facilitator

Dr Jenny Rees, Interim Academic Registrar

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Dates/Times

Thursday 24 September 10.00 - 16.00

Workshop

Mentoring for APEX This one-day workshop offers opportunities to explore the role and contribution of APEX mentors. Normally, APEX mentors will be expected to undertake this workshop before commencing mentoring duties. Participants should already be recognised as Fellows, Senior Fellows or Principal Fellows of the HEA.

Facilitator

Dr Fiona Denney, Director, BEEC Dr Martyn Clark, Head of Academic Practice, BEEC

Dates/Times

Thursday 24 September 13.00 - 14.00

Workshop

Tutoring@Brunel

Wednesday 20 January 12.00 - 13.00


Working with the Union of Brunel Students the university has developed its Tutoring Policy, Tutoring@Brunel. This workshop is aimed at presenting the policy and discussing the relationship between Tutor and Tutee. It investigates the boundaries and gives guidance on how to engage with Tutees and an insight into the sorts of problems all Tutors will encounter at some point in their careers. The support mechanisms available at Brunel to support Tutors and Tutees will be explained. Case studies will be selected based on the experience of the attendees and as there is often no single correct answer open ended discussions will take place. Facilitator

Dr Ian Dear, Dean of Students

Dates/Times

Monday 5 October 13.00 - 14.50

Workshop

Making Sense of Annual Monitoring Annual Monitoring is a key process for the University, designed to assure the quality and standards of the provision and sharing of good practice. This session will provide a guided tour of the procedure, forms and data provided, and is essential for those responsible for annual monitoring of programmes at programme/department/college level. To get the most from the session, participants should familiarise themselves with the process prior to attending www.brunel.ac.uk/about/quality-assurance/ programmes/programme-monitoring-and-review2

Facilitator

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Professor Mariann Rand-Weaver, Pro Vice Chancellor – Quality Assurance and Enhancement

Dates/Times


Workshop

Chairing Staff-Student Liaison Committees


Staff-Student Liaison Committees are an important element of the University’s governance structure. They provide a formalised setting in which issues affecting students’ experiences can be discussed. Increasingly, there is recognition that the SSLC meetings can contribute to the development of partnerships between the University and students. To help this, each SSLC meeting is now co-chaired by a student and an academic. This workshop is for student and academic co-chairs and other staff with significant roles in SSLCs. You will learn about the intended role of SSLCs in the new University structure; explore the roles of student and academic co-chairs as equal partners in managing meetings; and develop your understanding of the SSLC as a forum for the development of good practices. Facilitator

Dr Dimitrios Giannoulopoulos, Associate Dean (Student Welfare), CBASS Dr Philip Collins, Associate Dean (Student Welfare), CEDPS

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Dates/Times

Monday 11 January 13.00 - 14.00

Workshop

Chairing Boards of Examiners and Panels of Examiners


This workshop is for Chairs and Deputy Chairs of Boards and Panels of all levels of experience. You will have opportunities to discuss the respective roles and their contributions to the effective running of Panel and Board meetings; the oversight of assessment-setting; and liaising with External Examiners. Changes to policy and processes for 2015-16 will be highlighted. Facilitator

Dr Sandra Naylor, Vice Dean (Education), CHLS Plus attendance by staff from Quality and Standards

Dates/Times

Wednesday 27 January 12.00 - 13.00

Workshop

Dealing with Student Mitigating Circumstances


This workshop is for staff who are members or Chairs of Mitigating Circumstances Panels, or who advise students about making Mitigating Circumstances claims. You will use worked examples to learn about how the University deals with different cases and discuss typical issues and considerations. Changes to the process for 2015-16 will be highlighted. Facilitator

Dr Ian Dear, Dean of Students Dr Philip Collins, Associate Dean (Student Welfare), CEDPS Plus attendance by staff from Student Services or Quality and Standards

Dates/Times

TBC

Workshop

Dealing with Difficult Student Cases, Complaints, Appeals and Misconduct This workshop is aimed at all academic and professional staff who may be expected to advise students or investigate issues, whether informally or through formal University procedures, regarding matters such as: issues around grading and academic appeals; plagiarism, collusion, cheating and other academic misconduct matters; non-academic misconduct and professional suitability; and following up complaints made by students. The importance of early resolution of issues and direct contact with students will be emphasised; the University’s formal processes will be outlined; and other avenues such as mediation flagged up.

Facilitator

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Dr Mary Richards, Vice-Dean Education, CBASS Plus attendance by staff from Quality and Standards

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APEX Forum The APEX Forum is a new monthly lunchtime space for colleagues to exchange ideas and discuss current thinking around learning and teaching. The intention is for people to share their views and engage in debate. The APEX Forum will also provide an opportunity for staff doing the APEX 2 Group Projects to present their findings and update colleagues across the University as well as to showcase other pedagogical projects and initiatives that colleagues are engaged in. At the end of each session, it is intended that colleagues go away with clear ideas of changes they can make in their own academic practices. The APEX Forum is intended to be highly participative and attendees are invited to bring their lunch with them to fuel the debate! Tea, coffee and water will be provided. Please book a place by visiting intra.brunel.ac.uk/s/beec/acad/Workshops/ WorkshopDetails.aspx?c=157 or email [email protected] for further information.

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APEX Forum events already scheduled for 2015-2016 include: Dates/Times


Workshop

Understanding Academic Leadership and Developing the Next Generation – insights from a Leadership Foundation for HE-funded project investigating what leaders learnt on their career journeys

Facilitator


Dates/Times


Workshop

The Learning Technology Team’s Summer Projects – colleagues from LTT in BEEC will be taking the opportunity to update the Brunel community on specific projects they undertook over the summer to improve technologyenhanced learning at Brunel.

Facilitator

The Learning Technology Team, BEEC

Dates/Times


Workshop

Small Group Teaching – Creating Valuable Learning Experiences in Multidisciplinary Group Project Activities

Facilitator

Dr David Smith and Dr Jo Cole, Lecturers, Electronic and Computer Engineering

Dates/Times

Wednesday 18 May 13.00 - 14.00

Workshop

Assessment – An opportunity to hear about Computer Science’s approach to threshold assessment and where this sits within the pedagogical literature and theory on authentic assessment

Facilitator

Dr Martyn Clark, Head of Academic Practice, BEEC and Dr Simon Kent, Director of UG Studies, Computer Science

Please watch out for announcements throughout the year of other topics covered by the monthly APEX Forum.

BRU_108_BEEC_10092015

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