Developing the autonomous learner: supporting transitions from FE to HE - 12 March 2008
This conference built on two previous years’ teaching & learning conferences hosted by Aimhigher. The conference an the Sheffield Hallam University's Owen Building CETL suite was organised in conjunction with the SHU Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Centre for the Promotion of Learner Autonomy and was supported by Higher Futures (South Yorkshire Lifelong Learning Network) to explore Issues around “Learner progression to HE”. The conference aimed to provide a forum for colleagues with an interest in the progression of vocational learners to Higher Education programmes, either in FE or HE institutions, to meet and discuss key issues.
The progression of vocational learners is of key interest to both Aimhigher – in terms of widening participation to Higher Education. Participants were well aware of the National Skills agenda – indeed the 'national skills imperative' to upskill the workforce to higher levels of capability and qualifications in key sectors such as engineering and H&SC – but also in many other sectors where skills shortages are appearing and are predicted to grow in the medium term to a yawning chasm.
The conference examined some of the issues, ideas and changes taking place to facilitate the progression and transition of vocational learners to meet these skills gaps. The conference was opened by David Berry, Vocational Projects Manager who welcomed the 50 delegates who were attending from both Sheffield Hallam University and a wide range of partner institutions across the sub-region. Ivan Moore - CETL Director at SHU, led with an overview of the Autonomy concept and developments in the learning environment and pedagogy, followed by delivery of a paper by Peter Gledhill -an Information Specialist in SHU LITS, on Information Literacy development and undergraduate students. A lively plenary panel open forum discussion ensued.
Jackie Powell IAG and Transition Co-ordinator of Higher Futures spoke on Transitions Issues - 'developments, progress and unfinished business' and Dr Ann Walker of the Widening Participation Policy Unit who has been very active with the CETL transitions special Interest Group on Transitions – gave an interim research paper on Motivation and Efficacy.
Overall there was much interest in the presentations and lively discussions - with many indicators for future work and activity in terms of supporting transitions and assisting in the development of 'autonomous' learners who will eventually take up positive roles in bridging the projected skills gap in the UK economy. Also revealed was the imperative in terms of the overall positioning and strategy required by institutions delivering vocational progression programmes at HE level.
Presentations
GLEDHILL, Peter Presentation.ppt
MOORE, Ivan keynote.ppt
POWELL, Jackie CETL.ppt
WALKER, Ann Student success the role of motivation self efficacy belief.ppt
