Cambridge University Engineering Department
In 2006 the Department of Engineering initiated a research and development project to investigate and improve the practical experiences (coursework) through which students traditionally explore diverse engineering disciplines and begin to develop their professional expertise. This work was undertaken with the support of, and in collaboration with, the Teaching for Learning Network, building on central commitments and methodologies emerging from the network’s engagement in other disciplinary contexts.
Department of Plant Sciences
At the Department of Plant Sciences a research and development project has been led in collaboration with the Teaching for Learning Network. The department has always had a good reputation for teaching, and maintenance of this position is important for its future status. Provision of small-group tutorials plays a key role in teaching support for students. However, variation in student experience of tutorial quality was raised as a point of concern in a recent student survey. Our research has therefore focused on analysis of the tutorial environment with the aim of finding out how best to support our teaching staff and to enhance opportunities for student learning outside of tutorials.
Faculty of Classics
The aim of the Faculty of Classics' research with the TfLN is to develop resources that will assist in creating 'confident readers' - that is to say, readers capable of using their pre-existing knowledge of Ancient Greek and Latin to construe previously unfamiliar areas of these languages, rather than relying upon outside intervention to do so.
Technology-enhanced Learning in TfLN
Examples of technology-enhanced learning objects utilised within the Teaching for Learning Network.
Jmol
Online tutorial on the Molecular Basis of Photosynthesis, from Plant Sciences
Course Genie
Online questions, part of an example from Biochemistry
Camtasia
Narrated animation explanation of the Gene for Gene concept, from Plant Sciences