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Events

SLTC Proceedings:

Event Report

Science Learning and Teaching Conference 2007

Keele University, 19-20 June 2007

The second Science Learning and Teaching Conference, held at Keele University, once again brought together delegates and presenters from the biological, physical and materials sciences to share practice and experience, hear about developments and network with colleagues across the disciplines.

We were delighted at the response to the call for presentations and workshops and also to reach full capacity at the Conference. Feedback was very positive, with many enjoying the cross-disciplinary nature and informal nature of the conference, with time for networking as well as the wide variety of sessions and workshops on offer.

One of the best and I do not usually say that! Very good to meet 'other subject disciplines' and talk about common areas

Inspiring new ideas and initiatives on HE L&T

"Wonderful opportunity to connect with others concerned about science education and development.

I really enjoyed this conference... the content of the sessions was just right - covering a range of topics and was not too long. It inspired me to try and improve my teaching so thank you!

The report below brings together presentations and their accompanying proceedings paper from the Conference (both in pdf format). The complete proceedings from the 2007 Conference is also available to download (please note large file size - 12.7 Mb).

K = Keynote presentation; O = Oral Presentation; W = Workshop; P = Poster

Day 1

Welcome and Introduction
Keynote – Professor Craig Nelson
Parallel Sessions 1 (Blended learning, PDP, Labs)
Parallel sessions 2 (Assessment, Research 1, e-learning)
Workshops 1

Photo of a presentation at the conference

Day 2

Workshops 2
Parallel Sessions 3 (Creativity, Secondary-Tertiary Interface, Feedback)
Parallel sessions 4 (Accessibility, Ethics and Sustainability, Research 2)
Keynote 2 – Professor Tina Overton

Poster presentations

Photo of a group discussion at the conference

Welcome and introduction to the Conference
Tina Overton, Physical Sciences Subject Centre

Tina welcomed everyone to the Conference and looked back at some of the developments in areas discussed during the 2005 Science Learning and Teaching Conference.

Welcome presentation

Keynote: Post-secondary science education and the scholarship of teaching and learning: three key cases from the US experience
Professor Craig Nelson, University of Indiana

Craig gave an excellent introduction to the Conference and a number of themes in teaching and learning.

Parallel Session 1

Blended learning - session chair Paul Chin
O1 A study of the impact of blended learning on bioscience students Lesley-Jane Eales-Reynolds The ExPert Centre, University of Portsmouth Unfortunately Lesley-Jane was unable to present at the Conference.	O1 paper
O2 Reflection as a component of a blended learning approach: encouraging engagement and re-engagement Adam Watts School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton	O2 paper O2 presentation

PDP - session chair Adam Mannis
O3 The use of reflective practice to support a final year team research project in biosciences Tracey Speake Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester	O3 paper O3 presentation
O4 E for effective? e-portfolios, self reflection and personal development planning Eleanor Cohn School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton	O4 paper O4 presentation

Labs - session chair Katherine Clark
O5 Renovating laboratory teaching - Keeping the students' interest Peter Sneddon Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow	O5 paper O5 presentation
O6 The Oxford Integrated Laboratory Course in chemistry Malcolm Stewart Chemistry Department, Oxford University	O6 paper O6 presentation

Parallel sessions 2

Assessment - session chair Jackie Wilson
O7 To assess or not to assess - what's in a question? Dick Bacon Department of Physics, University of Surrey	O7 paper
O8 Learning via online mechanics tests: update and extension Mundeep Gill Department of Mathematical Sciences, Brunel University	O8 paper O8 presentation
O9 Asking culturally neutral questions in science and engineering Peter Goodhew Department of Engineering, University of Liverpool	O9 paper O9 presentation
O10 Computer-assisted and peer assessment: a combined approach to assessing first year laboratory practical classes for large numbers of students Ruth Grady Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester	O10 paper O10 presentation

Research I - session chair Roger Gladwin
O11 Truth and transferability: discovering physical science educational realities Timothy Barker Department of Physics and Astronomy, piCETL, University of Leicester	O11 paper
O12 JiTT in physics Marion Birch School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester	O12 paper O12 presentation
O13 Student networks and learning styles: a case study exploring investigative projects Mark Langan Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University	O13 paper O13 presentation
O14 Open ended problem solving and the influence of cognitive factors on student success Nicholas Potter Department of Chemistry, University of Hull	O14 paper O14 presentation

E-learning - session chair Paul Chin
O15 Podcasts in science education (or 'Can you teach physics in .mp3 format?') Simon Bates School of Physics, University of Edinburgh	O15 paper O15 presentation
O16 Web 2.0 and science education: beyond entertainment Alan Cann Department of Biology, University of Leicester	O16 paper O16 presentation
O17 Research Skills Audit Tool: an online resource to map research skills within undergraduate curricula Gillian Fraser CETL-AURS, University of Reading	O17 paper O17 presentation
O18 Students' responses to academic feedback provided via mp3 audio files Stephen Merry Biological Sciences, Staffordshire University	O18 paper O18 presentation

Parallel workshops 1

W1 Rousing the dead: a hands-on guide to interactive engagement strategies in lectures Simon Bates School of Physics, University of Edinburgh	W1 paper W1 presentation
W2 Linking DNA structure and sequencing using model based learning Cas Kramer GENIE CETL, University of Leicester	W2 paper W2 presentation
W3 Creating and sustaining motivation in first year bioscience and health students Catherine Sanderson Faculty of Health, Leeds Metropolitan University	W3 paper

Poster exhibition and wine reception

Conference dinner, with after dinner speaker Dr Dominic Dickson
Dominic gave a very lively talk in which he demonstrated some of the experiments he uses to liven up lectures and enthuse students, including his physics karaoke.

Photo of Dominic Dickson giving his after dinner talk

Day 2

Parallel workshops 2

W4 Fifteen ways to hit your science students - Enhancing the student experience and how to make it happen Simon Ball JISC TechDis Service	W4 paper W4 presentation
W5 Stand in another’s shoes. A 'Values and Rights' exercise to develop and assess students' ethical awareness Iain Coleman School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton	W5 paper W5 presentation
W6 Online experimentation Robert Lambourne Faculty of Science, The Open University	W6 paper W6 presentation

Parallel sessions 3

Creativity - session chair Julie Peacock
O19 Creativity and research-led teaching David Adams Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds	O19 paper O19 presentation
O20 Microbiology and art: a comfortable combination? Joanna Verran School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University	O20 paper O20 presentation
O21 Writing on the walls: helping students grasp scientific terminology Ron Fryer Department of Sciences, Agriculture and Technology, Writtle College	O21 paper O21 presentation

The Secondary-Tertiary Interface - session chair Tina Overton
O22 Involving undergraduates in outreach and public engagement through final year projects in science communication Dan Lloyd Department of Biosciences, University of Kent	O22 paper
O23 Back to school: educating ourselves about students’ previous learning experiences Janette Myers Faculty of Science, Kingston University	O23 paper O23 presentation
O24 Exploration, experience and evaluation: Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), sharing the experience of The University of Manchester - 480 1st year bioscience students Maggy Fostier Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester	O24 paper O24 presentation

Feedback - session chair Dick Bacon
O25 'From crime-scene to classroom': new strategies for teaching using modern technologies John Cassella Department of Forensic Science, Staffordshire University	O25 paper O25 presentation
O26 Computer based assessment with short free responses and tailored feedback Sally Jordan COLMSCT CETL, The Open University	O26 paper O26 presentation

Parallel sessions 4

Accessibility - session chair Katherine Clark
O27 Teaching biological science to blind students Peter Chevins School of Life Sciences, Keele University	O27 paper O27 presentation
O28 ACCESS (Audio Content Creation for Educational SuccesS) Jo Badge School of Biological Sciences, University of Leicester	O28 paper O28 presentation

Ethics and Sustainability - session chair Jackie Wilson
O29 Using debates to develop and assess critical reasoning abilities in first year bioscience students Catherine Sanderson Faculty of Health, Leeds Metropolitan University	O29 paper
O30 Towards sustainable teaching of biosciences Alzena Wilmot Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth	O30 paper O30 presentation

Research II – session chair Roger Gladwin
O31 Threshold Concepts, misconceptions and common issues Karen Moss CELS CETL, Nottingham Trent University	O31 paper O31 presentation
O32 Do Students form, norm, storm and perform? What if they don't: exploring the realities of student project groups Nigel Lindsey School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford	O32 paper O32 presentation

Keynote: Teaching students to think: from parrots to professionals
Professor Tina Overton
Department of Chemistry, University of Hull

K2 paper
K2 presentation

Posters

Posters were on display throughout the Conference, click on the title to view the paper of the poster from the proceedings. Please note, only the first two authors of each poster are given below, all authors are credited in full on the paper.

P1 The use of 'webquests' to enhance blended learning environments
S.I.Anderson, and C.A. Brown
School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton

P2 Piloting forum activities into a nutrition and fitness module to support and enhance learning
S J Astley, and E A O'Gara
School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton

P3 Creating questions for learning
Dick Bacon
Department of Physics, University of Surrey

P4 Multimedia tools and their accessibility
Jo Badge and Alan Cann
School of Biological Sciences and Department of Biology, University of Leicester

P5 Can you repeat that last bit, please? : using talking books to support student learning in science
Paul Barrow and Nick Musgrove
School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton

P6 Maintaining quality feedback in the face of increasing student numbers
Simon Bedford
Department of Chemistry, University of Bath

P7 Examining possible links between student perceptions, expectations and their final grades
Rena Boothe
Department of Geographical and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University

P8 Student-centred problem-based group exercises in molecular biology
Annette Cashmore and David Hawkridge
GENIE CETL, University of Leicester

P9 A learning package to develop and assess employability of bioscience students taking work placements
J. Cunningham and J. Harland
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, School of Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University

P10 Development and implementation of a policy for delivering effective feedback to students
Maureen Dawson and Joyce Overfield
Learning and Teaching Unit and School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Manchester Metropolitan University

P11 Using problem-based learning to enhance the student experience in sports and exercise biomechanics
Michael Duncan and Mark Lyons
Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies, Newman College of Higher Education, Birmingham

P12 Incorporating formative feed-forward feedback into summative tutor marked assignments and setting targets for student achievement of learning outcomes
Janet Dyke
COLMSCT CETL, The Open University

P13 Implementation of new teaching materials for an introductory chemistry course in a Further Education College
Nancy El-Farargy
Centre for Science Education, University of Glasgow

P14 From principles of science to publishing: a new interactive resource for undergraduates
Gillian Fraser and Anne Crook
CETL-AURS and Centre for the Development of Teaching and Learning, University of Reading

P15 Design of flyers as a means of introducing undergraduate students to controversial issues arising in society from bioscience/biotechnology
John Green
School of Life Sciences, Napier University

P16 Feedback (feedforward) on exams: are specimen questions from previous cohorts useful?
John Green
School of Life Sciences, Napier University

P17 Learning Styles: is what students say what they do?
C. Greenall and P. Bonner
CELS CETL, Nottingham Trent University

P18 Exploring the concepts of challenging and straightforward in undergraduate research
Janice Harland and Venetia Saunders
School of Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moore University

P19 NHS funded hospital-based clinical teaching sessions: pharmacy students' perceptions of their educational value and impact on career choice
Alan Hindle and Michelle Haddock
Pharmacy Department, University of Wolverhampton and Hospital Pharmacy Teacher Practitioner Team, Birmingham and the Black Country Workforce Development Directorate

P20 Student learning redefined: facilitating student learning 'a la carte'
Henry Keil
ASPIRE CETL, Harper Adams University College

P21 A national journal for undergraduate research in biosciences
C. Knight and S. Bonwick
University of Leeds and University of Chester

P22 Embedding ethics into the undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in biological sciences
David Lewis and Celia Knight
Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds

P23 Establishing an undergraduate research journal: staff perceptions and pitfalls
Martin Luck and Alan Waterfall
School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham

P24 Creating a departmental web-based resource centre to support the teaching and learning of numerical technique
Jacqui McCary and Dawn Hawkins
Faculty of Science and Technology and Department of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

P25 Supporting online learning using assistive software: an evaluation of ScreenRuler
Rebecca McCready
School of Medical Education Development, Newcastle University

P26 In-course assessment using 'seen' class tests: evaluation of their feedback role and their influence on study patterns
David J McGarvey
School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, Keele University

P27 The e-volution of teaching in the modern world
Maria Neonaki and Chris Branford-White
Institute for Health Research and Policy, London Metropolitan University

P28 Flexible delivery with CeLLs - Collaborative e-learning in Life Sciences
W. Nightingale and M.R. Ward
The Interactive University, Edinburgh

P29 Evaluation of a blended learning approach to embed ethics teaching
Joyce Overfield and Carol Ainley
School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Manchester Metropolitan University

P30 The 'Animal Diversity CD-ROM': developing a multimedia learning resource to support a self-taught undergraduate zoology module
Nicholas Paling and Amanda Callaghan
CETL-AURS and School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading

P31 Fieldwork and PDAs: a pilot study on green energy from the Lake District
Clive Roberts
School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton

P32 Threshold Concepts, troublesome knowledge and knowledge gaps
Anne Rockcliffe and Clare Greenal
CELS CETL, Nottingham Trent University

P33 Observed Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs): uptake and usage in schools of pharmacy
Paul Rutter
Pharmacy Department, University of Wolverhampton

P34 Integration of virtual reality technology into the curriculum of forensic science courses using crime scene investigations
Raul Sutton and Matthew Hammerton
School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton and Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Loughborough University

P35 Fungi Online: A new learning resource for undergraduates
Vicki Tariq
Faculty of Health, University of Central Lancashire

P36 Biomathtutor: students' and tutors' verdicts
Victoria Jackson and Vicki Tariq
Faculty of Health, University of Central Lancashire

P37 'Kit in a Kase': versatile science activities for all
Georgina Westbrook
CELS CETL, Nottingham Trent University

P38 Development of entry-level formative assessment packages for MSc students
Michael Whitehead and Paul Hooley
School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton

P39 As seen on TV: using video clips in science teaching
Chris Willmott
Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester

The Higher Education Academy

Centre for Bioscience

Centre for Bioscience, The Higher Education Academy

In this section:

Events

SLTC Proceedings:

Event Report

Science Learning and Teaching Conference 2007

Parallel Session 1

Parallel sessions 2

Parallel workshops 1

Day 2

Parallel workshops 2

Parallel sessions 3

Parallel sessions 4

Posters