Imperial launches consultation for new Learning and Teaching Strategy

Imperial has launched a consultation, open to all staff and students, on the development of a new College-wide Learning and Teaching Strategy.

The development of the new Learning and Teaching Strategy is being led by Professor Simone Buitendijk, Imperial’s Vice-Provost for Education. It aims to bring modern and fresh approaches to the educational experience of students across Imperial. From evidence-based teaching methods through to new approaches to assessment and feedback, the new Strategy will be key to delivering excellence and innovation in education.

One of Professor Buitendijk’s first priorities is to provide the opportunity for all staff and students to feed in, with a College-wide consultation taking place during Autumn Term 2016.

Professor Buitendijk said: "Imperial aims to take big steps towards new ways of educating – and it needs to be a joint effort with our community. The development of the new Learning and Teaching Strategy will require the participation and insights of everyone across College engaged with supporting and delivering learning and teaching. The students I have met and worked with so far at Imperial have without exception been hugely dedicated and engaged – we need to make sure the education they receive is just as innovative as they are.”

Professor Buitendijk and Luke McCrone

The College is working closely with Imperial College Union on the development of the new strategy, including Nas Andriopoulos (President), Luke McCrone (Deputy President for Education), and the network of student academic representatives.

Luke said: “I’m really pleased to be working with Simone and with colleagues in the union on the development of the new strategy. We have a lot of ideas about how we can improve the learning experience of students at Imperial, but we’re really keen to make sure that all students have a chance to contribute.

“I will be working with academic reps to ensure that feedback from faculty and departmental staff-student committees is built into the new strategy. All students will therefore play an integral role in shaping the new strategy.” 

After the consultation closes, the key themes emerging will be reviewed and the Strategy will then be developed, with the aim of launching the new Learning and Teaching Strategy in Summer 2017.

Innovating education

As part of Imperial’s drive to foster innovation in both research and teaching, the College launched a new £1 million fund earlier this term.

£500k has been allocated for the Excellence Fund for Learning and Teaching Innovation, which will support educational initiatives that will challenge students to fulfil their potential. The first year of the scheme will focus on supporting innovation in the use of technology enhanced learning and innovation in assessment and feedback.