Focusing on Assessment for Learning
The School of Lifelong Learning, in association with the Faculty Heads of Learning Development, would like to announce the first in a series of faculty-based and Institute-wide activities in relation to assessment for learning. All DIT staff are welcome to attend this two-day event which will take place in DIT Bolton Street on 09/10 September:
Thursday 09 September - 2 pm:
Following a welcome address by Professor Brian Norton, President of DIT, Professor Mantz Yorke of Liverpool John Moores University will deliver the keynote presentation on 'Formative assessment and student success'. Round table discussions, triggered by short papers presented by DIT staff, will then follow.
A wine reception will end the day
Friday 10 September - 09.30:
The second day will start with a debate in which Dr Colin Mason, from St Andrews University, will speak to the motion that 'All examinations should be abolished' . Tadhg Barrett, from the DIT Faculty of Business will speak against the motion. The debate will be followed by chaired small group discussion and a plenary session, and Professor Brian Norton will close the event.
Buffet lunch will be provided.
Some background information on visiting speakers:
Professor Mantz Yorke is Professor of Higher Education at Liverpool John Moores University. His early career was in teaching and teacher education, after which he turned to staff development and educational research at Manchester Polytechnic. He then spent six years as a senior manager at Liverpool Polytechnic followed by two years on secondment as Director of Quality Enhancement at the Higher Education Quality Council. Since returning to his institution he has researched and reflected on various aspects of the student experience, including retention and the links between formative assessment and student success.
Dr Colin Mason is Director of Learning & Teaching Development at St Andrews university and is responsible for assisting in the development of the University's strategic aims for learning and teaching. This includes planning, developing and delivering a learning and teaching programme to support new and existing staff. Over the last year, in response to the QAA, the Scottish Higher Education sector has focused on Assessment and Responding to Students' Needs and as part of this initiative Colin has co-ordinated a series of Workshops on Assessment These have included: Streamlining assessment - How to make assessment more effective and more efficient, using assessment to motivate learning, on-line assessment and assessing transferable skills.
