Cracker barrel session: the Centre for Achievement and Performance approach to blended learning

CfAP’s Approach to Blended Learning. . . . Kate Coulson Head of the Centre for Achievement and Performance, University of Northampton Sylvie Lomer Academic Practice Tutor, University of Northampton In the Centre for Achievement and Performance (CfAP), we are increasingly adopting blended learning approaches targeted towards the development of transferable academic skills. Our main approaches are creating Open Educational Resources (OER) for independent access via the SkillsHub and NILE using video, study guides, interactive tutorials and templates. As well as developing tailored e-tivities to supplement our face-to-face workshop provision embedded within modules on request from subject staff. The former are targeted to all students and the latter have implemented this with a range of student cohorts from Foundation Year to Master’s level in a range of subjects. Developing resources in consultation with subject academic staff allows us to tailor the topic, approach and level of the OER. Thus far, examples include critical thinking, critical writing, synthesis, critical reading, and introduction to academic writing. While completion/participation rates in these e-tivities are variable, take-up of OERs has been good. This approach can be improved on, and can be transferred to other colleagues. Other possibilities for e-tivities include: structured / scaffolded writing; introduction to reflective writing; the research process; how to conduct a literature review; planning a dissertation, and so on. In collaboration with subject academic staff, course or programme specific e-tivities can be designed, which can be developed into OERs for future use and re-purposing. This session will present current practice and the experiences of CfAP tutors in relation to developing blended learning materials. We will invite suggestions and discussions with academic colleagues for future development of resources.