Teachers’ initial experiences of the Exploring Existing Knowledge (EEK) project

Dale, V. , Young, C. and Duhs, R. (2014) Teachers’ initial experiences of the Exploring Existing Knowledge (EEK) project. UCL Teaching and Learning Conference 2014, London, UK, 3 April 2014.

Abstract

Within the School of Medical and Life Sciences (SLMS), the innovation grant-funded ‘Exploring Existing Knowledge’ (EEK) project supported the development of a number of online diagnostic tests. These Moodle-based quizzes aimed to help new Masters students identify and address gaps in their knowledge prior to, or at the very start of, their course. Several academics involved in the project agreed to participate in interviews to help evaluate their experiences of this approach. The project revealed the many challenges that new Masters students may have at enrolment, due to their diverse educational backgrounds. These include abilities in English for academic purposes and essential study skills such as academic writing, note-taking, self-management and critical thinking skills. Academic participants considered that diagnostic quizzes and open Moodle courses with instructional videos and discussion forums could greatly help students diagnose and address skills deficiencies at an early stage in their studies. However, such resources require significant development input and UCL might reconsider the balance of centrally coordinated versus discipline-specific learning development opportunities. The outcomes of the EEK project evaluation will be presented as a poster as a basis for broader discussion within a future UCL ARENA workshop, where participants will be encouraged to consider the learning needs of their own students and strategies to help prepare them for university, especially at postgraduate level.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dale, Dr Vicki
• Authors: Dale, V., Young, C., and Duhs, R.
• College/School: University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division; University Services > Student and Academic Services > Academic Services