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News Archive 2004

Archive of News Items from 2004

Please note that this is an archive of past news items and therefore some entries may no longer be accurate.

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Creativity in Earth & Environmental Sciences / Studies: Call for Interest

The GEES Subject Centre is looking at setting up an interest group to stimulate a discussion around the role of creativity in disciplinary learning and practice with particular reference to the ‘Earth Science, Environmental Science & Environmental Studies’ benchmarking statement. This discussion will be part of a pilot process initiated by the Higher Education Academy’s ‘Imaginative Curriculum’ project. The purposes of this part of the project are to:

  1. gain a deeper understanding of our own practice
  2. think of ways of inspiring students to come to university of study our disciplines
  3. influence the next generation of benchmarking statement

The current benchmarking statement suggests that Earth & Environmental Scientists need to be creative thinkers for various reasons:

If you would be interested in joining the interest group and / or would like to offer examples of teaching creativity from your practice, please contact Helen King as soon as possible (preferably by Monday 22nd November). Members of the group will be asked to complete a simple questionnaire and to discuss the issues via email. We may also hold a face-to-face discussion meeting if necessary.

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JISC Consultation on UK Hydrospatial Data (UKHO)

Response required by 29th October 2004

Just as over 80% of those using Digimap Ordnance Survey map data are not Geographers;the use of digital hydrospatial data goes far beyond shipping and marine navigation. The data will be of use to any discipline or project that requires information about the coast and seas around Great Britain. For example, coastal protection, oilrig construction or marine based wind turbines will require hydrospatial information. Such data is also invaluable to those managing marine resources (e.g. fish stocks) or monitoring and protecting our natural heritage (e.g. ship wreck sites).

JISC and UK Hydrographic Office invite expressions of interest from all academic institutions regarding an agreement to provide UKHO Hydrospatial Data to all HE and FE institutions. Before we can move forward with negotiations, the JISC needs to establish the number of further and higher education institutions that would be interested in subscribing, as well as an indication of when subscriptions would be taken up.

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JISC Consultation on BGS Digital Geological Map of Great Britain (DiGMapGB)

Response required by 29th October 2004

Just as over 80% of those using Digimap - Ordnance Survey map data are not Geographers; the use of digital geological data goes far beyond Geology and Earth Science Departments. Geological data is of use to agriculturists, environmentalists, biologists, ecologists, hydrologists and archaeologists to name but a few.

JISC and the British Geological Survey (BGS) invite expressions of interest from all academic institutions regarding an agreement to provide Digital Geological Map of Great Britain data. Before we can move forward with negotiations, the JISC needs to establish the number of further and higher education institutions that would be interested in subscribing, as well as an indication of when subscriptions would be taken up.

To feedback your thoughts on the resource and to indicate if your institution would be interesting in subscribing to this resource, please read further information and complete the online response form for DiGMapGB before Friday 29th October 2004.

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LTSN-GEES is a part of the Higher Education Academy

As of the 1st of May 2004 the Subject Centre for GEES is a part of the Higher Education Academy. For you, the GEES community, there should be no substantial change to Subject Centre activities so please continue to use this website for news, events, publications and resources. The Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (ILTHE) and the TQEF National Co-ordination Team (NCT) have also transferred into the Academy.

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Call for papers for the October 2004 issue of CAL-laborate Physical Sciences and Geosciences

Since 1997, UniServe Science, in collaboration with the Swedish Council for the Renewal of Higher Education, and the UK Learning and Teaching Support Network has produced an international newsletter, CAL-laborate. It is distributed internationally through the collaborating bodies in Sweden and UK.

The focus for this publication is innovative or interesting uses of IT to improve the teaching and learning experience in tertiary level science. This newsletter is produced in October each year, for the Physical Sciences and Geosciences, and June, for the Life Sciences. CAL-laborate Physical Sciences was not produced last year as it coincided with a change in date for our annual national conference.

The online version of past issues are available for viewing or printing from the CAL-laborate web pages on the UniServe Science web site.

UniServe Science is now calling for papers for the October 2004 issue of "Physical Sciences and Geosciences" CAL-laborate. The "Physical Sciences and Geosciences" covers: physics; chemistry; mathematics; statistics, computer science, geology and geography.

All articles to be submitted by Friday 17 September. Articles are typically 3 - 6 pages in length and may contain screen dumps or sample screens. I would like to hear from any academic who is interested in writing an article for this issue of this international newsletter, "Physical Sciences and Geosciences" CAL-laborate.

Regards

Kaye Placing
(Editor, CAL-laborate: Physical Sciences and Life Sciences)
Educational Technologist, UniServe Science - Science Clearinghouse
Carslaw Building (F07), The University of Sydney, NSW 2006

http://science.uniserve.edu.au/

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Entrepreneurship in the GEES Curriculum

In March 2004, the Subject Centre for Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (GEES) was awarded funding from the DfES to support the development and enhancement of entrepreneurship in the GEES curriculum. The Subject Centre's current work in the area of employability has revealed a growing interest in providing discipline-specific employability development and support for students. This project will identify existing resources and expertise and provide materials for staff to integrate into their curriculum specifically in the area of entrepreneurship.

Enterprise, Skills & Entrepreneurship: Enhancing the GEES Curriculum Event - January 2005

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Enhancing the Campus through Student Project Work

Tuesday 14th September, 2004 - Burwalls Conference Centre, Clifton, University of Bristol

A Collaborative Event between the GEES, Engineering and CEBE Subject Centres and Higher Education Environmental Performance Improvement (HEEPI) Project

The recent Sustainable Development Action Plan for Education produced by Charles Clark, Secretary of State for Education, requires HEIs to integrate environmental and sustainability issues within the fabric of universities, both in terms of estates management, and also in terms of curriculum design and delivery. This event will explore the range of ways by which the campus can afford opportunities for student project work in disciplines such as geography, environmental sciences, earth sciences, architecture, civil engineering and planning etc. In particular, the new emphasis on sustainability provides an exciting focus for project work that can offer both valuable student learning and ideas for enhancing the environment of university campuses. The day will draw on recent practical experience to illustrate the value and effectiveness of student work in terms of raising student and university awareness of key issues in environmental management.

So, if you have ever wondered what colleagues do in other disciplines and departments, with respect to campus greening through student work, this is your chance to learn from their experiences - or to present and showcase your own!

Enhancing the Campus through Student Project Work - 14 September 2004

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Short discussion papers for the International Network for Learning and Teaching Geography in Higher Education (INLT) Post-IGC Workshop

Discussion is now closed

Short discussion papers on the following themes have been prepeared for the International Network for Learning and Teaching Geography in Higher Education (INLT) Post-IGC Workshop. We invite you to read the papers and/or post and read comments them:

  1. Fieldwork
  2. Problem based learning
  3. ICT, distance learning and the curriculum
  4. Enhancing employment, key skills and the curriculum
  5. Teaching for social transformation including diversity issues (e.g. race, disability)
  6. Linking teaching and research

International Network for Learning and Teaching Geography in Higher Education (INLT) Glasgow Workshop - 21-23 August 2004

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LTSN-GEES Small Scale Project Funding 2004-05

The Subject Centre has set aside £15, 000 for 2004-2005 to support small-scale learning & teaching projects for one year. It is expected that funding for individual projects will normally be in the range £2, 000 - £5, 000. The funding will be awarded by open competition to projects that will enhance student learning and / or enrich the learning and teaching research literature in one or more of the above three disciplines.

The deadline for proposals is Friday 30th July 2004.

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The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences is currently advertising for two positions:

  1. Full-time Dissemination Co-ordinator (deadline: noon 28th June)
  2. Part-time Administrative Assistant (22 hours per week) (deadline: noon 25th June)
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Widening Participation and Employability: New Opportunities for Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (GEES)

LTSN-GEES Residential Conference - Monday July 5th and Tuesday July 6th 2004, The Royal Court Hotel, Warwickshire

Widening participation and student employability are two of the key agendas facing Higher Education in the UK. However, despite considerable expansion across the sector as a whole, students from low socio-economic backgrounds still remain a minority group. As a result, all institutions are now expected to give priority to recruiting from these backgrounds. Teaching the more diverse body of students will open up new opportunities for learning and teaching in GEES.

As well as needing to take a closer look at students on entry to HE, institutions are also required to assist their students in preparing for exit to the world of work, and with top-up fees, departmental employability records are likely to become still more central in relation to both recruitment and league tables. So, if we are going to attract a more diverse student population into GEES, then these same students will have to believe that our degrees will result in them obtaining a rewarding and fulfilling career. Capitalising on these two important government agendas can provide new opportunities for GEES staff to enhance the student learning experience.

Key questions to discuss at this important event will include:

This timely and unique residential conference will feature workshops, presentations and scenarios on these key learning and teaching issues. Add to this keynote speeches, plenaries and plenty of informal networking, and you have a conference forum ideal for lively debate and action planning.

Through show-casing good practice in these areas, delegates will be able to improve their personal management of the widening participation and employability relationship and in addition help lead the debate and stimulate change within their own departments and institutions.

Finally, don't forget the conference BBQ, cheese and wine reception and the hotel's health and fitness club (including indoor pool, gym, sauna and steam rooms) - all included in the conference fee!

GEES Subject Centre Residential conference 2004 - 5-6 July 2004

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UK Survey: Aspiring and Current External Examiners in the GEES Disciplines

This short questionnaire has been commissioned by LTSN-GEES to provide baseline data concerning the support requirements of current and aspiring External Examiners in Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences.

There are two questionnaires: one for aspiring External Examiners (rtf document) and one for current External Examiners (rtf document). The survey seeks to identify the motivations, important aspects of the role and professional development required to be an External Examiner within the GEES disciplines. The research team is seeking to obtain a UK wide picture of these issues from the perspective of both current and aspiring External Examiners. The survey will contribute to the wider cross-sector research project currently being undertaken by the Generic Centre and will also provide information to support future LTSN-GEES activities in this area.

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'Supporting the Supporters' Encouraging Continuing Professional Development for Support Staff

Tuesday 8th June 2004, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham

An LTSN Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences conference in association with the School of Environment, University of Gloucestershire

What is the event about?

Support staff in Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (GEES) departments serve a very important role in enhancing the student learning experience, yet continuing professional development and networking opportunities for this cohort remain somewhat limited. The primary aim of this national conference is to give GEES support staff an opportunity to network with colleagues in similar roles in other institutions and to provide opportunities for their continuing professional development. In this way therefore the conference seeks to improve support for this diverse group of personnel so as to improve the learning experience of GEES students. This event provides a unique opportunity for GEES support staff to collaborate and network on a wide variety of issues.

So, if you have ever wondered what colleagues do in other disciplines and departments, this is your chance to learn from their experiences - or to present and showcase your own! The conference will be interactive, including specialist workshops, allowing GEES colleagues to benefit from active engagement with a variety of topics.

'Supporting the Supporters' Encouraging Continuing Professional Development for Support Staff - 8 June 2004

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'Postgraduateness': Skill Development and Vocational Relevance

Thursday 10th June 2004, University College Northampton, Graduate School

An LTSN-GEES swap-shop in association with the RGS-IBG Higher Education Research Group (HERG)

Many HEIs across the UK are developing taught Masters courses in Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES) disciplines. While there is a lack of national guidance about what taught Master's level courses should include in terms of knowledge and skills, there are also a number of key questions. How can both 'postgraduateness' and vocational relevance be achieved? What differentiates postgraduate study from undergraduate study? What skills should be developed at postgraduate level and how are these best assessed? At the RGS-IBG 2003 annual conference, the Higher Education Research Group (HERG) identified taught Masters level courses and skills development as a key area for research and discussion. LTSN-GEES is currently funding three small research projects that focus on different aspects of postgraduate learning, including an evaluation of 'postgraduateness in vocational course development' and 'interdisciplinary approaches to the innovative development of key skills at postgraduate level'.

This timely swap-shop provides a unique opportunity for practitioners from GEES departments to collaborate and network on these issues. So, if you have ever wondered how other disciplines and departments are dealing with taught postgraduate issues, this is your chance to learn from their experiences - or to present and showcase your own initiatives!

'Postgraduateness': Skill Development and Vocational Relevance - 10 June 2004

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Doing a Better Job for European Geographers - A Conference Supporting the Professional Development of Geography Academics and Enhancing the Employability of Geography Graduates

An international HERODOT event (in association with LTSN-GEES, UK)

Friday 2nd April to Monday 5th April, 2004 - Sofia University "St. Klimnet Ohridski", Bulgaria

What is the conference about?

This three-day residential conference will have two main themes: (1) enhancing the continuing professional development (CPD) of higher education Geography lecturers throughout Europe and (2) enhancing the employability of Geography graduates. The event seeks to bring together Geographers from different institutions in Europe who have a common interest in these themes which were identified as priorities at the London launch of HERODOT in March 2003. The primary aim of the event is to disseminate good practice in professional development and therefore to encourage innovation in curriculum design and delivery. In this way the conference seeks to enhance the quality of Geography courses and teaching and thereby to improve the learning experience of Geography students, and in particular their preparation for the graduate labour market. This conference provides a unique opportunity for practitioners from Geography departments around Europe to network and collaborate on these issues. So, if you have ever wondered how other countries, institutions and departments approach the CPD of Geography staff and enhance graduate employability, this is your chance to learn from their experiences - or to present and showcase your own!

Specifically, this event seeks to:

  1. Bring together Geography academics involved in CPD and graduate employability across Europe in order to share expertise, exchange ideas and good practice
  2. Provide opportunities to discuss the academic and practical issues of designing effective professional development and courses which enhance graduate employability
  3. Identify the learning and teaching support needs of Geography academic colleagues
  4. Assist in furthering the work of the HERODOT project

Doing a Better Job for European Geographers - 2-5 April 2004

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Conference: Understanding the world: Developing interdisciplinary area studies to meet the needs of the 21st century

24 March, Woburn House, 20 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HB

Link to the Understanding the world conference web page

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Research in Teaching & Learning: Getting Started Workshop

24th March 2004, London

The purpose of this workshop is to provide participants with an overview of the scope of pedagogical research in the science related disciplines. We will explore how to pose research questions and the place of theories. The different methodologies available and research design will be explored, as well as making your findings known and publication. There will be an opportunity to explore the possibilities for collaborative research with other workshop participants.

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Embedding Personal Development Planning (PDPs) in the GEES Curricula

An LTSN-GEES workshop in association with the School of Geography, University of Leeds

Tuesday 23rd March 2004, School of Geography, University of Leeds

Personal Development Planning (PDP) becomes compulsory in 2005 for all courses in UK Higher Education. Many academics and students in GEES departments have been working with PDP for some time. Although some GEES departments do not yet have formal PDP systems in place, many GEES academics and students have been working with PDPs for some time.The conference therefore aims to enhance the quality of PDP in GEES courses, to strengthen embedding in the curricula and thereby to improve the learning experience of GEES students, and their preparation for the graduate labour market.

This conference provides a unique opportunity for practitioners from GEES departments to collaborate and network on these issues. So, if you have ever wondered how other disciplines and departments are dealing with the PDP agenda, this is your chance to learn from their experiences - or to present and showcase your own! The workshop will be interactive allowing GEES colleagues to work with new PDP materials for use in their own departments. Specifically, the event aims to:

Embedding Personal Development Planning (PDPs) in the GEES Curricula - 23 March 2004

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Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES) Annual Conference

Friday 19th - Saturday 20th March 2004

Royal Geographical Society, London

All are welcome to attend the 2004 CHES Annual Conference, whether you are a head of a department, responsible for Environmental Sciences programmes within your department or have a genuine interest in the future development of the discipline within higher education. Why not attend the conference, taking place in Kensington at the Royal Geographical Society, and take advantage of a weekend in the capital city....

Registration Deadline Wednesday 10th March 2004

More information on the CHES Annual Conference

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Essay: 'Linking teaching and research in Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences'

'Linking teaching and research in Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences' RTF 100kb (open in MS Word)

Please feel free to comment on the essay and contribute to the debate. Please send any comments to Mick Healey at MHealey@glos.ac.uk

Click here to see contributions to the discussion of the essay so far.

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Linking Teaching and Research and Carrying Out Pedagogic Research in GEES Disciplines and Departments - a Resource to Support Your Practice

Visit our webpages based on the GEES Subject Centre Residential Conference 2003 exploring Teaching And Research In Geography, Earth And Environmental Sciences Residential Conference.

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Case studies of how you link your teaching with research and consultancy

There are now 19 case studies available for the GEES disciplines that may help staff as individuals or course teams to design, teach and/or assess a course in ways that link teaching and research.

Invitation to Submit a Case Study of Effective Practice

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LTSN-GEES Survey: Valuing and Supporting Student Diversity in Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences: What’s your experience?

The purpose of this brief survey is to help inform the development of LTSN-GEES resources, including our 2004 Annual Conference, to support learning and teaching in geography, earth and environmental sciences with respect to increasing student diversity. We want to know what issues you have to deal with so we can best support your needs.

The "valuing and supporting student diversity" Survey will be available on-line until Friday 27th February 2004.

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Overseas Fieldwork & Cultural Exchanges in HE: Student Support & Safety

A collaborative event between LTSN Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES) and LTSN Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies (in association with the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers)

A National Conference Wednesday 28th January 2004, RGS-IBG, London

Why is this event important?

One of the most appealing features of degree programmes for undergraduates in many disciplines is the opportunity to undertake overseas fieldwork or some form of residential cultural exchange. Travelling to far-away places and interacting with new people provides an invaluable student learning experience. However, planning fieldwork and exchange programmes requires a considerable amount of time and effort. How will you identify a suitable fieldwork or exchange location? What is the best way to prepare students before they travel? How will you deal with student health & safety and accessibility issues? What form of academic and personal support will students need whilst overseas and on returning to their UK institution?

These are some of the questions that need to be considered by academics running overseas fieldwork or exchange visits in all subjects. This conference provides a unique opportunity for practitioners from a variety of disciplines to network and collaborate on issues relating to the running of overseas field programmes and cultural exchanges. If you've ever wondered how other disciplines support overseas fieldwork and exchange programmes, this is your chance to learn from their experience!

Specifically, this event aims to:

  1. Bring together academics involved in HE overseas fieldwork and cultural exchanges from a variety of disciplines in order to share expertise, exchange ideas and good practice;
  2. Raise awareness of the inter-disciplinary support needs of students on degree programmes with overseas fieldwork and/or cultural exchange components;
  3. Provide opportunities to discuss the academic and the logistical and safety issues of designing and running overseas fieldwork and/or cultural exchanges;
  4. Identify the guidance needs of academic colleagues;
  5. Assist in furthering the work of the LTSN Area Studies Network

We hope that delegates will also be able to benefit from a range of materials (case studies, teaching materials etc.) that represent good practice in learning & teaching of overseas fieldwork and cultural exchange programmes.

Overseas Fieldwork & Cultural Exchanges in HE: Student Support & Safety - 28 January 2004

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Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning (FDTL): Round 5

The Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning (FDTL) aims to stimulate and promote developments in teaching and learning, and to secure the widest possible involvement of HE institutions in the take up and implementation of effective practice. FDTL, which was established in 1995, is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL).

Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences were included in Round 1 of FDTL and many of the projects were closely involved in the development of LTSN-GEES. Although these disciplines are not eligible for funding in the latest round, there may be opportunities for collaboration with Archaeology, particularly with respect to the theme of fieldwork.

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The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences,
Buckland House, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
Email: info@gees.ac.uk Tel: ++44 1752 584529 Fax: ++44 1752 584880