Commissioned Work projects

Problem-based Learning Evaluation Toolkit (September 2009) 

The PBL (Problem-based Learning) Evaluation Toolkit emerged out of a presentation assessing the current literature related to the evaluation of Problem-based Learning (PBL). Findings indicated that there was a lack of robust studies which could support this method. The PBL Special Interest Group met and, with support from the Health Sciences and Practice Subject Centre, developed a toolkit, which it is hoped will encourage potential researchers to evaluate PBL. Areas considered include curriculum design, facilitation, student experience, and effectiveness of learning. By evaluating these areas of PBL through research, it is hoped a body of knowledge will emerge in order that future stakeholders can make informed decisions about choices relating to use of PBL in pedagogy.

More details and access the PBL Toolkit

• Caroline Marcangelo, Senior Lecturer in Learning & Teaching Development, Centre for the Development of Learning & Teaching, University of Cumbria
  

• Carolyn Gibbon, Principal Lecturer for Learning and Teaching, School of Nursing and Caring Sciences, University of Central Lancashire
  

• Mark Cage, Research Officer, University of Brighton

Contributors:

Sharon Arkell, Senior Lecturer, University of Wolverhampton
Carol Cooper, Senior Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University
Angela Darvill, Senior Lecturer, University of Salford
Angela Lee, Lecturer, University of Salford
Moira McLoughlin, Senior Lecturer, University of Salford
Gaynor Sadlo, Professor, University of Brighton

Technological Support:

Elaine Tan, Learning Technologist, Centre for the Development of Learning & Teaching University of Cumbria

Becoming a health Profession educator in a University, the experiences of recently-appointed lecturers in Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (May 2009)

Pete Boyd, Principal Lecturer, School of Educational Partnership and Enterprise

Caroline Smith, Senior Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation & Public Health, University of Cumbria

Sue Lee, Director of Studies, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Cumbria

Paul Bunyan: research assistant 

Jo Peel: research administrator  

Download Executive Summary(220KB) ,
Download Full Report(800KB)

National Research and Development Project on Healthy Universities - Abstract (January 2009)

Authors:

• Mark Dooris, Director of the Healthy Settings Development Unit,  University of Central Lancashire

• Sharon Doherty, Healthy University Co-ordinator, University of Central Lancashire

Abstract:

The aim of the project was to scope and report on the potential for a national programme on Healthy Universities that could contribute to health, well-being and sustainable development.

The project highlighted that higher education offers enormous potential to impact positively on the health and well-being of students, staff and the wider community through education, research, knowledge exchange and institutional practice. It also suggested that investment for health within the sector will further contribute to core agendas such as staff and student recruitment, experience and retention; and institutional and societal productivity and sustainability.

The research revealed the richness of activity taking place within HEIs and evidenced a rapid increase in interest in the Healthy University approach, pointing to a growing appreciation of the need for a comprehensive whole system approach that can map and understand interrelationships, interactions and synergies within higher education settings – with regard to different groups of the population, different components of the system and different health issues.

The report concludes that there is clear demand for national-level stakeholder organisations to demonstrate leadership through championing and resourcing a Healthy Universities Programme that not only adds value within the higher education sector, but also helps to build consistency of approach across the entire spectrum of education. It issues a number of recommendations with a view to responding to the findings and moving forward.

Download Full Report(660KB)

Employability Profiles, 2008:

For most Higher Education students, employability on graduation and over the long term is a major priority.

The Health Sciences and Practice (Higher Education Academy) funded the Employability Profiles Project to indicate the skills that typically can be developed through the study of particular subjects.

These profiles are for use by students or prospective students, individuals already in employment, people working within particular education sectors and employers alike.Following on the production of the profiles there was a high demand for the employability profiles, hence an evaluation of how the profiles were used was taken.

Student Employability Profiles can be downloaded for personal use, as well as an electronic tool.