Curriculum Development Funding
Summary

This document outlines opportunities to receive payment for the development and dissemination of work related learning activities. This involves enhancing existing, or creating new activities to develop the curriculum.

Background

Real World is a project with a national focus supported by the HEFCE Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning. The project aims to enhance the employability of students within the disciplines of Agriculture, Environment, Forestry and Organismal Biosciences through the integration of work related learning activities in the curriculum. The project is a partnership between relevant faculties in the University of Sunderland and University of Newcastle upon Tyne with support and involvement from the Geography, Earth and Environmental Science and Biosciences Learning and Teaching Support Networks.

A practical definition of work related learning as 'learning activities through which students experience elements of the practise of work and/or the work place'. These activities lead to the acquisition of skills, knowledge and understanding that in turn enhance graduate employability. Learning in such a context is based on the learner's experience or aspirations for work which helps make for deeper learning. This approach represents a continuum of learning and teaching that includes activities both in the work place and on campus. Such activities may include visits, live projects, role play, simulations, case studies and mentoring, as well as placements.

Funding Opportunities

Curriculum Development
The project is inviting bids from within Agriculture, Environment, Forestry and Organismal Biosciences for funding to support the development of work related learning activities for intended delivery in Semester 1 or 2, 2002-2003.

Development may include the enhancement of existing activities, or the creation of new ones. The project intends to support 10 such bids and funding will be to a maximum of £2,500 per bid. Other benefits to involvement in the project include access to the practitioner network, invitation to network meetings and access to the knowledge and expertise gained through an audit of good practice.

Submission - Enhanced/New Curriculum Development
Enhanced/new curriculum developments should include:
- institution, programme and module name
- level (year) and number of student learning hours associated with this activity
- clearly stated existing/proposed work related learning outcome(s)
- description of the teaching activity which achieves the existing/proposed learning outcome(s) (100 words)
- rationale for selection of teaching activity (100-150 words)
- existing/proposed approach for assessment (100 words)

Further details including (max. 500 words):
- summary of the proposed development stating if this is an enhancement to an existing teaching and learning activity or the creation of a new one
- outline of learning resources that will be produced
- approach to evaluation of enhanced/new teaching activity
- benefits in relation to work related learning and employability
- an outline work plan including timescales and breakdown of proposed expenditure
- short summary of learning and teaching experience of key person

Close liaison with the project team and dissemination of good practice via the project will be expected. A condition of any funding agreement will include regular reporting and an end of development activity case study report to be included in the database of good practice.

Submissions will be judged by the quality of the proposal in terms of enhancing the student experience and advancing the outcomes of the Real World project. Payment will be against outcomes and a delivery agreement between the project and a successful institution will require endorsing by the Head of Department.

If you are interested in submitting a bid please contact the project officer (details below) by the 1st March 2002 to discuss the proposed curriculum development. The deadline for submitting a bid is 1st April 2002. For any further information, or advice on any aspect of your proposal please contact:

Emma Clamp, Development Officer, Academic Development Unit, Careers Service, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU.

Tel: 0191 222 8491

E-mail: adu@ncl.ac.uk

Web: http://www.careers.ncl.ac.uk/realworld/