This module is designed to provide an introduction to Widening Participation, it's context within Higher Education generally, and it's practical application for academics involved in the teaching and support of a diverse student population.
The module should provide an understanding of currently under represented groups and the implications of recruiting, selecting, supporting and teaching such students.
It is also intended to provide an insight into the activities undertaken by the University of Bristol in relation to Widening Participation as well as an understanding of the University's strategic approach to Widening Participation.
This module will be of interest to any academic involved in the recruitment, selection, support and teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The aim of the module is to enable participants to gain a better understanding of the strategic context of Widening Participation both nationally and for the University of Bristol.
It will also enhance academics' interaction with an increasingly diverse student body and highlight the variety of support and learning needs amongst such students.
By the end of the module participants will:
be able to identify key elements of the University's Widening Participation Strategy and identify possible areas of implementation within academic departments;
understand the variety of learning and support needs of a diverse student body and develop teaching strategies to meet such needs;
be familiar with the University's current Widening Participation initiatives and be able to develop academically focused departmental activities.
Successful course participants will be able to demonstrate:
a good knowledge of Widening Participation Strategy and its implementation within the University generally and faculties specifically;
extended and enhanced strategies for teaching and supporting a diverse student population;
skills in developing and delivering Widening Participation focused academic activities.
The module incorporates a practice-based task. A short written reflection, of approximately 1500 words, will provide evidence (for your portfolio) of your thinking, awareness and growing competence in this area of teaching.
Write a short reflection on how your department approaches widening access and participation (or if you feel it doesn't, on how it might). You may discuss things in a general way, or focus on issues or target groups that interest you. What's important is that you illustrate your awareness of some important ideas, strategies and/or issues.
For this accredited Postgraduate Certificate in Education route, it will be a more extended account (2000 words) than that required in the core progression pathway. You should show evidence of awareness of important issues, a more detailed analysis or synthesis of some ideas, and evidence of wider reading on these areas of teaching and learning. A more detailed explanation of this point is given in the assessment criteria table in the downloads section.
Successful completion of this task leads to the award of 10 credit points at M level.
Admissions to Higher Education Steering Group (2004) Fair Admissions for Higher Education: Recommendations for Good Practice. London: Admissions to Higher Education Review
Department for Education and Skills (2003) White Paper: The Future of Higher Education. London: HMSO
Department for Education and Skills (2004) Widening Participation in Higher Education. London: HMSO
Forsyth, A and Furlong, A (2003) Losing Out? Socio-economic disadvantage and experience in further and higher education. Bristol: Policy Press
The University of Bristol (2004) Access Agreement. Available at: http://www.offa.org.uk
The University of Bristol (2004) Widening Participation Strategy: Quality Through Diversity (2004-2009). Available at: http://www.bris.ac.uk/wideningparticipation
The University of Bristol (2004) Annual Report (2003-04). Available at: http://www.bris.ac.uk/wideningparticipation
Universities UK (2003) Fair Enough? Wider Access to University by Identifying Potential to Succeed. London: Universities UK