Faculty of Science Learning, Teaching and Assessment Information and Resources

LTA updates

05/02/14

1) Return of hard copy marked work

Some module appraisal scores for ‘15 working day feedback’ have been found to be less then 100%, despite the fact that marks and feedback were known to made available within this period. One cause of this is when hard copy (i.e. non-electronic) marked work is returned in class, but students are absent from that session. As a pilot, the World of Work Support Unit have kindly agreed to assist in the return of hard copy feedback that could not be returned in class and a protocol is available here: http://www.staff.livjm.ac.uk/phcpdent/FacultyLTA/Coursework%20Return%20Service.htm

2) Teaching and Learning Discussion Group

This series of lunchtime gatherings replaces the Faculty Good Practice Seminar series. A 15-25 minute presentation will be followed by general discussion and a consideration of a teaching-related research article and a buffet lunch will be available (Thanks to Janice Harland, PBS, for suggesting that we establish a Journal Club).

Confirmed presentations and provisional titles:

Wed 1-2pm, 26th February, Mark Williams, Alumni activities

Wed 1-2pm, 19th March, Amanda Reid, Blackboard retention centre

Wed 1-2pm, 9th April, Jamie Fearn, Employability and skills

Rooms, titles and booking arrangements will be confirmed subsequently. The focus of the selected articles and discussions for this semester will be feedback: What does ‘providing feedback’ mean to me?  What are  my real reasons for doing it? (not just the politically correct answers here!)  What are the most effective forms of feedback?

3) e-submission of coursework

A reminder that the University’s e-submission policy requires that all single file doc/pdf courseworks up to 2000 words should be set so that students can submit work electronically. There is no requirement that work has to be e-marked and some bulk printing guidance can be found here: http://www.staff.livjm.ac.uk/phcpdent/FacultyLTA/Bulk%20Printing%20Guidance.htm

4) Blackboard announcements

The increased use of the Blackboard mobile app means that Blackboard announcements are now considered to be the most efficient means of contacting a module group. Clearly, there are instances when Outlook might be preferred (e.g. to obtain a read receipt), and email remains the best way to contact smaller groups of students, such as your personal tutees.

5) Laptop booking service and IT resources

After an initial push from this Faculty, and in response to student feedback regarding Byrom St IT resources, a laptop booking service is now in place. Twenty laptops are now available, with a further 20 due to arrive on Friday 7^th February. Students can book these devices through Harry Morton’s team in Rm 321a, James Parson Building. News stories:

http://www.liverpoolsu.com/articles/liverpoolsu-secures-new-laptops-for-byrom-street

http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/NewsUpdate/viewarticle/1277/.

It is worth adding that when the ‘masterplan’ for LJMU is considered by SMT later this semester, a identified priority will be the provision of a ‘substantial number’ of open access PCs within Phase 2 of the ‘Starbucks’ development at Byrom St.

Maintained by Philip Denton. Last Update: 13/10/2015.