A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Enhancing academic and Practice

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Enhancing personal practice
working profile and may undertake consultancy. The use of the term ‘administration’
under-represents the type of responsibilities many academics take on; ‘academic
management’ may be a better term. Teaching or academic practice qualifications provide
a foundation that can inform practice which is enhanced through reflection and
discussion with peers, more senior staff and mentors. Larger classes, a more diverse
intake, the rise of the student ‘as consumer’ and more pressure on staff time mean that
there is less time to gradually ‘learn on the job’. In the UK many doctoral students take
formal courses about teaching, building on these as their career progresses.
THE UK PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FRAMEWORK
The UK Professional Standards (UKPS) Framework for teaching and supporting learning
in higher education is a national framework developed for the sector by the HEA (2006).
These were developed following extensive consultation and at the request of the various
funding councils and Universities UK (UUK). They have been written in a form that
attempts to render them relevant to all disciplines and to recognise the diversity of
institutions across the higher education sector. For early career academics, the UKPS are
of importance because they underpin the professional development programmes offered
in teaching and learning or academic practice. The Standards (Table 28.1A) take the form
of generic descriptors at three different levels of expertise. To demonstrate the Standards,
individuals need to show achievement in designated areas of professional activity, core
knowledge, and how they meet a set of professional values. Institutional HEA-accredited
programmes have assessment requirements which relate to demonstrating the Standards.
Standard descriptor
Table 28.1A The UK Professional Standards Framework
1 Demonstrates an understanding of the student learning experience through engagement
with at least two of the six areas of activity, appropriate core knowledge and professional
values; the ability to engage in practices related to those areas of activity; the ability to
incorporate research, scholarship and/or professional practice into those activities.
This leads to Associate of HEA status
2 Demonstrates an understanding of the student learning experience through engagement
with all areas of activity, core knowledge and professional values; the ability to engage in
practices related to all areas of activity; the ability to incorporate research, scholarship
and/or professional practice into those activities.
This leads to Fellow of HEA status
3 Supports and promotes student learning in all areas of activity, core knowledge and
professional values through mentoring and leading individuals and/or teams; incorporates
research, scholarship and/or professional practice into those activities.
This leads to Senior Fellow of HEA status
Source: Adapted from http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/York/documents/ourwork/professional/
ProfessionalStandardsFramework.pdf