Teaching and Learning > DOCUMENTS
Progression
Danielle Lamb
We currently have a number of projects being run that address issues around the transition of students from AS/A2/Highers/Access courses to degree-level courses, and have run various events for both philosophy and theology and religious studies academics on this topic. In addition, Subject Centre staff have published a book, Doing Philosophy: a practical guide for students, which aims to help students progress from A levels/Highers to undergraduate study of philosophy.
Projects
Prof John Lippitt and Dr Brendan Larvor
Department of Humanities, University of Hertfordshire
Helping to bridge the gap? TRS
Dr Marion Bowman
Department of Religious Studies, Open University
Helping to bridge the gap? Philosophy
Dr Derek Matravers
Department of Philosophy, Open University
Developing active and autonomous learning among philosophy students
Dr Keith Crome
Department of Politics and Philosophy, Manchester Metropolitan University
Events
A level above? Progression to undergraduate studies in philosophy
In July 2009 the Subject Centre for PRS ran an event called 'A level above?'. This conference provided an opportunity for academics, school teachers, exam boards and policy-makers to consider ways to enhance students' progression in philosophical education, with a particular focus on the transition from school or further education (including A Level, Highers, International Baccalaureate and Access courses) to undergraduate level study of Philosophy in the UK. Papers from the conference were published in Discourse 9.1.
The Transition of AS/A2 students to Theology and Religious undergraduate studies
With a reported eleven percent of students dropping out of undergraduate studies in their first year the Subject Centre for Philosophy and Religious Studies commissioned an investigation into student progression from AS/A2 Levels and Highers to undergraduate studies.
The investigation culminated in a report by Natasha Pyne, 'A Report into the Issues Surrounding the Progression of Students to Undergraduate Studies with Particular Reference to GCE RS and Undergraduate TRS', which was published in Discourse Issue 8.1 in autumn 2008. Going beyond the so-called 'usual suspects' that influence or disrupt general student transition, such as debt and socio-economic status, the report gives a detailed examination of motivations and difficulties that lay behind the transition of Theology and Religious Studies students.
Some of the areas examined include the role and influence of:
- Self-perception
- Religious beliefs
- Support networks
- Motivations to study
- RE training in schools
- Ofsted report 'Making Sense of Religion'
In addition to this report, in July 2008 the Subject Centre ran a conference entitled 'Spoon-Feeding or Critical Thinking', in Oxford, offering an opportunity for academics, school teachers, exam boards and policy-makers to gather together to discuss and inform each other about the ways we could improve the transition of students to first year undergraduate studies.
The event was a great success and received excellent feedback from delegates. A wide range of stakeholders took part, including academics, school teachers, students, publishers, and representatives from curriculum authorities. Papers were of a very high standard, and delegates enjoyed the opportunity to take part in lively and productive debates about a range of issues related to progression in Theology and Religious Studies, including retention rates at degree level Theology and Religious Studies, information literacy and the use of online resources, the 14-19 Diplomas, the International Baccalaureate, and the role and potential of problem-based learning and action research in our disciplines.
Delegates made the following comments:
"It was fabulous…each presentation was directly relevant. Some
of them have given me ideas and suggestions that I can apply straight away.
Others will give me food for thought for a long time to come..."
"The networking has been invaluable"
"Well structured and managed – well done. Definitely the smoothest
run conference I have been to"
"It was great – worked very well. Lots to think about without information
overload"
"Keynote speakers were of the highest calibre"
"Good papers, and a good opportunity to meet a mix of practitioners from
FE and HE"
"It was an excellent, rigorous and thoughtful event."
This page was originally on the website of The Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies. It was transfered here following the closure of the Subject Centre at the end of 2011.
