Date: May 7th

Time: 10:00 Р13:00

Venue: Institute of Technology Carlow

Presenter(s): Professor Bill Johnston, University of Strathclyde, Dr Tomas Dwyer & Anne Carpenter, IT Carlow

Event Details: The issue of the First Year Curriculum has received some attention internationally but has not been articulated in Irish HE. According to Kift (2009) it is within the first year curriculum that students must be engaged, supported, and realise their sense of belonging. The question arises what might a good first year curriculum look like? How can we harness the curriculum to scaffold and enhance first year learning experiences and prepare for academic success? This seminar will endeavour to answer these two questions by drawing on local research and international best practice.

Bill Johnston, visiting Professor University of Strathclyde, drawing on his experiences of the Scottish First Year Enhancement Theme will lead the seminar. IT Carlow staff will contribute findings from local research which supports the international trend towards embedding transition support directly in the curriculum rather than through extracurricular activities.

The seminar will focus on the design of a First Year Curriculum. It will be suggested that conceptualising the first year curriculum as the academic and social ‘glue that holds knowledge and the broader student experience together’ is central to first year engagement, success and retention (McInnis, 2001). The session will explore two key areas:
I.Design, balance and consistency in the first year curriculum
II.Implications for teaching learning, assessment

Learning Objectives:

Participants will;
• Articulate a First Year Curriculum which scaffolds independent learning and engagement
• Consider active learning methods which engage students and develop collaborative learning
• Design assessment tasks that foster foundational academic and enquiry skills

Contact: Anne.Carpenter@itcarlow.ie