Development of HEAR at Ulster

Background to HEAR

Content of HEAR

Challenges in development

Academic performance (4.3)

Additional information (6.1)

Roll out of HEAR

Encouraging student engagement with HEAR

Outline

Background to HEAR Debate over degree classification system

Burgess Implementation Steering Group 2005

Proposal – ‘Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) should become the key record for all university level undergraduate achievements’

Pilot phase 1 – 18 institutions; phase 2 – 30 institutions

Ulster HEAR Implementation Steering Group (reports to T&L committee)

Definition of the HEAR

‘an electronic document, produced by a higher education institution, which provides a record of student achievement during their time at that institution. It will adhere to a strict template and be verified by the academic registrar or equivalent officer. In its paper form it will be no longer than six pages. It will incorporate the functions and datasets of both the Diploma supplement (DS) and HE Transcript and also references information about academic credit which links directly to the national credit frameworks in different parts of the UK’

Purpose of the HEAR

As a formative document Basis for reviewing progress and planning future activities Support student engagement in opportunities beyond the curriculum As an aide- memoire for students in making applications Subject to the appropriate permissions, for verification by employers and

postgraduate tutors of statements made by the student

As a formal, exit document Provides details within section 6.1 (Additional Achievements) of the wider

achievements of the holder Capture more fully the strengths and weaknesses of the student’s

performance … thereby enhancing their employability

Content of HEAR

1. Information identifying the holder of the qualification2. Information identifying the qualification3. Information on the level of the qualification4. Information on the contents and results gained5. Information on the function of the qualification

(including professional status)6. Additional information7. Certification of the HEAR8. Information on the national higher education system

Template:

Challenges in development

Technical issues - lack of connectivity between data held in the Student Records System and other information distributed in other central or Faculty databases or records in a range of formats

Title of dissertation Programme Learning Outcomes Placement location & organisation Role title for placement

Electronic access for employers etc length of time

Maintenance of web links over time

Section 6.1 (Additional Information)

Responsibility for verification of input data

Academic performance (4.3)

Performance in coursework/exams

Level of detail and drill down

Number of attempts

Accreditation of prior learning

Title of dissertation or major project elements

Additional information (6.1) Additional Awards (Accredited performance in non-academic contexts)

CPPD modules Additional recognised activities undertaken by students which demonstrate

achievement Science Shop (project title and organisation) Tutoring in Schools (project tile and school) PASS leader Student Union officer Step-up mentor

University, Professional and Departmental prizes

Information must be verified by the institution

Web link to student’s e-portfolio (with student’s permission)

Ulster Protocols for information for 6.1The achievement is verifiable and endorsed by the University.

The opportunity to undertake the achievement is open to all students, in principle.

Information is presented factually, not opinion-based.

The role/achievement/outcome is defined by regulation (e.g. prizes, sabbatical officer).

The role/achievement/position supports a University process and is verifiable.

The achievement/role supports wider University policy and strategy, e.g. Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Leader.

Ulster Developments related to 6.1New modules for the CPPD framework

Reflect on Me Exploring your career options Developing your Employability Skills Career Progression Skills Communication and Career Management Skills Employability through Student Representation Volunteering

Development of ‘Ulster Graduate Award’

Revised statement of Graduate Qualities

Roll out of HEAR First year students 2011/12

Ideally, access throughout the programme

Ideally, access to placement employers (with student’s permission) in second year

Reference to HEAR already included in prospectus and student handbook

Encouraging student engagement with HEAR Essential to encourage students to engage with HEAR from

the outset

Staff awareness vital

Programme teams need to reflect on how HEAR may be promoted to students and used formatively

Programme teams need to consider the opportunities for students for entries under categories included in Section 6.1

Link to PDP, Studies Advice, Placement preparation