Effective Practice in Independent Learning, Higher Education Academy and Quality Assurance Agency
April – August 2014
The Higher Education Academy (HEA) and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) have commissioned Liz Thomas Associates to undertake research about Effective practice in independent learning. Broadly, independent learning is undertaken outside contact hours, but contributes to course-specific learning outcomes. The aim is to identify practice that creates, supports and promotes independent learning, which can then be shared with others in the HE sector.
We are pleased to be working with Dr Jane Andrews, Aston University and Dr James Ottaway, Quiddity Research.
Background and context to the project
There is an increased demand from institutions, departments and academic staff to better understand effective independent learning. Questions of how, where, when and to what extent independent course-related learning takes place, and how student engagement can be enhanced are being asked more frequently. Independent learning is undertaken by students, either on their own or with others, without direct input from teaching staff. It contributes to course-specific learning outcomes.
Aims, objectives and methodology
The research will help to identify effective practice in the design, delivery and enhancement of activities facilitating independent learning.
A literature review will be undertaken to produce a working
definition of what is meant by 'effective independent learning.' The
researchers will then collect, collate and analyse examples of relevant
activity from across the UK HE sector in order to compile a compendium
of practice. As the research progresses the working definition of
effective independent learning will become more nuanced, and acquire
greater conceptual utility. Eight case study institutions will then be
selected, enabling a more in-depth look at how independent learning
takes place. These studies will be representative of different
institutional types and discipline areas. The broad aim here is to
showcase good practice from a range of academic settings, so colleagues
can see how independent learning occurs in contexts beyond their own.
The research here will also be sensitive to the broad agenda of
inclusion and will thus gather information on the ways in which
different groups study independently – e.g. international students,
disabled students, non-traditional entrants, those with employment and
family commitments, etc.
It should be noted that this research
is exploratory and descriptive in nature, rather than evaluative. To
support this intention the case studies will draw on the spirit of
appreciative inquiry and emphasise the co-production of knowledge and
understanding, rather than the extraction of information.
Examples of effective practice
As part of this study we are interested in examples of effective
practice in all discipline areas, from any institution delivering higher
education. To express an interest in sharing your effective practice
please email
rob@lizthomasassociates.co.uk with the following information:
• Your name and contact details
• Brief description of your
example of effective practice (including subject area)
• A comment
about why you feel this is effective
Selected examples will be
followed up to be included in the Compendium of effective practice
in independent learning in higher education (to be published by the
HEA and QAA). In addition a limited number of examples will be included
as in-depth case study in the final report and associated dissemination.
Intended outputs
Outputs will be fivefold: a model of effective practice; a compendium
of effective activity currently taking place in the context of
independent learning; a research report; a tool kit; and further
dissemination in 2014-15.
Model of effective practice -
By drawing on the findings of the literature review, practical examples
from within the HE sector, and evidence gathered from the case studies
the project will generate a conceptual model of effective practice. This
will allow institutions to better understand independent study, and will
provide a means of reviewing and benchmarking resources and provision.
Compendium of effective practice - This will consist of
examples of current good practice in the context of independent learning
and as such will stand as a freely accessible resource. It is
anticipated that the compendium will include activities from a
cross-section of institutions, and a variety of disciplines and learning
/ teaching modes.
Research report – A thematically
analysed research report will be produced which will include models of
effective practice and identify implications for policy at the national,
institutional, departmental and individual levels.
Tool kit
– This output will draw together the project's key findings,
illustrating the issues with 'real-world' examples. The tool kit will be
designed for accessibility, practicality and usability by HEIs, course
teams and individual staff.
Further outputs and
dissemination – These may include tailored dissemination, including
briefings for specific stakeholder groups, conference presentation and
other similar activities.
For further details please contact
research@lizthomasassociates.co.uk