Reaching Out: Why Students Leave

Briefing Paper

This briefing paper reports on a research project established by the National Forum in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland, which aimed to inform our understanding of why some students do not progress to the completion of their programmes of study in higher education and to determine how best to support students in their transitions into and through higher education. The study examined, through surveys and interviews, the motivations and experiences of 331 students who did not complete their programmes of study in higher education. The briefing paper adds to the growing evidence base about the challenges that students face in their transitions into and through higher education in Ireland.

Student Non-Completion on ICT Programmes

Briefing Paper

This report is based on findings from a National Forum-funded research project on student non-completion on ICT programmes led by a team based at the University of Limerick.

The Paper summarises international literature on student non-completion with a focus on students of ICT ; it outlines proven initiatives and pedagogic practices designed to tackle ICT student non-completion and it presents the results of exploratory case study research on ICT non-completion at the University of Limerick. It also includes further considerations arising specifically from the institutional case study as well as those arising more generally from the question of non-completion in the Irish context.

Transition from Further Education and Training to Higher Education

Insight

The first enhancement theme of the National Forum focused on transitions into and through higher education. Based on surveys and interviews with FET students, the research summarised in this insight begins to fill an important gap in our understanding of transitions, and it recognises the often substantially different experiences of those entering higher education from school, and those entering from the FET sector.

National Professional Development Framework for all Staff Who Teach in Higher Education

Framework

This document describes the newly articulated National Professional Development Framework for all staff who teach in Irish higher education. The framework provides guidance for the professional development (PD) of individuals and gives direction to other stakeholders (e.g. institutions, higher education networks, educational/academic developers, policy makers and student body representatives) for planning, developing and engaging in professional development activities.

A Conceptual Model for the Professional Development of Those Who Teach in Irish Higher Education

Report

This report presents a conceptual model for professional development, based on the findings of a comprehensive national consultation process. It highlights the sector’s understanding of professional development, identifies some underlying values for the model and suggestions some teaching and learning domains for structuring the process. It presents some of the ideas and challenges for the model’s implementation and it concludes with some next steps in the professional development process.

A Snapshot of Non-Accredited Continuing Professional Development for those who Teach in Irish Higher Education

Report

This is the third of three snapshot reports arising from the professional development consultation document: Mapping Professional Development Pathways for those who Teach in Higher Education. The purpose of these report is to provide focused in-depth coverage of key topics; accredited, non-accredited and disciplinary engagement with professional development.

The aim of this series of reports is to give readers the opportunity to delve selectively or comprehensively into the underpinning research and benchmarking activity that has informed the proposals and options outlined in the professional development consultation document. Based on structured data-gathering and analysis as well as active engagement with key personnel across the sector, these snapshot reports allow the current arrangements for professional development in Irish higher education to be described and interpreted further in the context of prevailing research literature. This report gives an overview of the non-accredited continuing professional development (CPD) activity currently delivered across the sector.