Agenda and Papers - University of Edinburgh

provision. It was noted that unlike the committee which had preceded it the
DQAG’s remit did not include enhancement. The configuration of the group
was however appropriate. QAC heard that the group would be reviewed by
the College in a year’s time. It was agreed that reflection on retaining the title
of committee should be remitted to the Head of College, particularly in the
light of the desirability of retaining consistency of approach across the
University. Action: Secretary to remit
The College was urged to pursue 100% completion of course monitoring
forms, potentially through the return of incomplete forms to course organisers
for amendment.
Action: CHSS Associate Dean Quality Assurance
The College noted in its report the need for production of consistent routine
statistics to support quality monitoring activity, and this was also noted by the
College of Science and Engineering annual report. The Committee endorsed
the need for consistent management information, ideally provided at
University level.
Action: Convener
QAC noted that there was broad agreement within CHSS Schools on
students having sight of examination scripts, but that practical difficulties had
been identified. In subject areas which did provide this facility there were low
take-up rates. [Secretary’s Note: the current Undergraduate Assessment
Regulations state that “examination scripts, or copies of such scripts, are not
returned to students, however students are entitled to have sight of their
examination scripts to assist with their self-reflective learning.” (UG 11.1)
Students’ entitlement in this regard will be retained in the revised taught
assessment regulations for 2011/12. Students are not currently permitted to
retain examination scripts.]
It was recommended that External Examiners should be sent for approval all
examination papers and coursework assignments accounting for a significant
proportion of the total course mark.
Action: CHSS Associate Dean Quality Assurance
With regard to reports by postgraduate External Examiners, it was noted that
the loop required to be closed in terms of Schools informing the College that
a response had been made to the External Examiners’ comments. The
College expected that ongoing application of the University policy on
monitoring and reporting on postgraduate research provision would embed
appropriate follow-on. Statistical information for reports would be reviewed
as part of the roll-out.
Action: CHSS Associate Dean Quality Assurance
It was noted that the subject area’s response to the report of the Teaching
Programme Review of Initial Teacher Education would be appended to the
College report once it was available.
Action: CHSS Associate Dean Quality Assurance
With regard to the recommendation that University-level guidance should be
provided on best practice in Peer Observation of Teaching, it was noted that
this area was now being taken forward by Senate Learning and Teaching
Committee. Action: Secretary to remit to SLTC
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