2008 University College Annual Report - St Mary's University College

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School of Theology, Philosophy, and History In the recent Research Assessment Exercise, world leading and internationally excellent contributions established St Mary’s as the clear sector leader among Church colleges. St Mary’s has also hosted gatherings on The Legacy of John Paul II and the first National Conference of Catholics in Healthcare. The School of Theology, Philosophy, and History continued to thrive in 2008. In the recent Research Assessment Exercise, world leading and internationally excellent contributions established St Mary’s as the clear sector leader among Church colleges for research in Theology and related disciplines. This has been achieved whilst maintaining its enviable teaching reputation and its commitment to the Common Good. At undergraduate level, the development of new courses that widen access to Higher Education has continued with the successful launch of a new Foundation Degree in Pastoral Ministry. Further agreements sealed in 2008 with St John’s Seminary, Wonersh and Wesley College near Bristol, testify to the growing reputation of St Mary’s in the field. Meanwhile, innovative provision of Single Honours Philosophy has been agreed and teaching links have been forged between historians at St Mary’s, Strawberry Hill and at De Sales University, Pennsylvania. At postgraduate level the MAs in Pastoral Theology, Bioethics and Catholic School Leadership go from strength to strength. New extra-mural centres have been established to broaden educational opportunity. Alongside online provision, the team have boosted postgraduate student numbers beyond 250. St Mary’s has also hosted gatherings on The Legacy of John Paul II and the first National Conference of Catholics in Healthcare. The year also saw landmark personal moments with Alan Murphy earning the St Henry Walpole Prize for Teaching and Learning and Professor Gerald O’Collins completing his fiftieth book. In terms of public impact, it was encouraging that at the climax of the Autumn debates on the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act, the expert work of Professor David Jones and St Mary’s University College was specifically mentioned in both Houses of Parliament. Finally, due to such expanding research and consultancy work, a busy year culminated in the launch of the Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies (CBET). CBET’s Professor Geoff Hunt is a recipient of European ‘FP7’ funding – a notable first for St Mary’s and the School which augurs well for our future. St Mary’s University College Twickenham London Annual Report 2008 St Mary’s University College Annual Report 2008 www.smuc.ac.uk 12 Twickenham London www.smuc.ac.uk 13
Information Services and Systems There has been a marked increase in the use of ‘blended learning’ in teaching and learning at St Mary’s which has been a priority area for development. The Director of Information Services and Systems examines the widereaching merits of ‘blended learning’. Since last year, it has been most encouraging and exciting to report on a marked increase in the use of ‘blended learning’ in teaching and learning at St Mary’s which has been a priority area for development. At St Mary’s we see blended learning as “a pedagogical approach to enrich and facilitate the student learning experience. This encompasses a range of technologies, delivery modes and learning methodologies to ensure that the process is interactive, learner orientated, fit for purpose and accessible”. Put simply – it is about using a range of teaching methods such as e-learning, interactive whiteboards and face-to-face lectures in course delivery. Student feedback has clearly highlighted the obvious benefits of blended learning. Some students like the convenience of accessing lecture materials online with PowerPoint slides or podcasts, while others enjoy sharing thoughts and ideas with their peers in discussion threads and chat rooms. It is clear that others appreciate interactive content, such as online assessments, to test and consolidate their learning. The advantages of blended learning are perhaps greatest for those juggling academic study with other commitments, such as work or family. Specific related projects this year have included the use of Lifelong Learning Network funding (LLN) to support the development of online content for two Foundation Degree programmes. There have been similar developments in the work of other programmes, such as the MA in Catholic School Leadership, which has been offered in dual mode, on-campus or by distance learning, with high rates of take-up and student satisfaction for several years. Our initial research suggests that blended learning may play a positive role in St Mary’s, helping retain students who might otherwise withdraw from study. But what do the staff think about it? With improved training and the showcasing of good practice in this new teaching method, we are pleased to report a general increase in awareness and wider use of ‘St Mary’s Online’ to support student learning, achievement and progression. St Mary’s University College Twickenham London Annual Report 2008 St Mary’s University College Annual Report 2008 www.smuc.ac.uk 14 Twickenham London www.smuc.ac.uk 15
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2008 University College Annual Report - St Mary's University College

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