Although lecturing and
other classroom methods are still very much in use in the colleges,
there has always been a tradition also of practical work in workshop,
laboratory and training kitchen. The modular nature of a very large
number of the courses and the clarification of assessment criteria have
both influenced learning and teaching.
Colleges have also
developed various forms of open and distance learning, to create
greater flexibility and choice for students as to where learning takes
place, its pace and duration. Materials for learners include
paper-based packs, audio and videotapes and computer-based packages.
Increasingly, colleges are making available forms of distance learning
based on new technologies, such as tele-conferencing,
video-conferencing, on-line and networked learning. To improve access
for learners, many colleges also offer courses at outreach or
distributed learning centres.
In some subject areas, study in
college or by some form of open or distance learning often alternates
with periods of work-based learning in the student’s place of
employment or on a work placement arranged by the college.
HM
Inspectors report on the quality of education in colleges over a four
year cycle through a service level agreement with the Scottish Funding
Council.
Assistance for Students with additional needs
Legislation
requires colleges to have regard to the needs of students, including
support needs, and to make adjustments to ensure that students with
disabilities are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. They do this
by offering special courses; by using SQA modules devised for the
purpose; by providing support to students on mainstream courses; and by
providing aids to learning for those with particular needs.
In
recent years the FE sector has invested to meet the requirements of the
Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. The Act requires
further and higher education institutions to ensure that students with
disabilities are not discriminated against or placed at a substantial
disadvantage. In addition, all colleges have developed inclusion and
race equality policies. Staff take part in training and development
programmes focusing on disability and inclusion issues. All colleges
have a least one member of staff trained in the use of technologies to
assist students with Additional Support Needs. Colleges have taken
positive steps to ensure that they are as inclusive as possible and
work with a wide range of students to meet their support needs.
In
January 2005 the Scottish Government published guidance on arrangements
for supporting students with additional needs in further education. The
guidance document, Partnership Matters – A Guide to Local Authorities,
NHS Boards and Voluntary Organisations on Supporting Students with Additional Support Needs
in Further Education, emphasises the importance of collaboration and
partnership between all the agencies. It outlines the roles and
responsibilities of the partners involved in areas such as education
support, transport and personal and health care. It also explains the
new duties placed on the partners by changes in legislation.
The document shares examples of good practice in
collaborative working to help colleges and other agencies learn from
one another. Colleges, local authorities, NHS Boards and other agencies
are strongly encouraged to form local partnerships and develop
agreements on supporting students in further education.
Universities and Higher Education Institutions
Lectures,
seminars, tutorial groups, project work and, in appropriate subjects,
laboratory work and field work are the main teaching methods of most
higher education institutions. In some institutions and in some
subjects there is significant use of computers in learning. There has
also been growing interest in other forms of provision such as distance
learning (including e-learning), open learning and flexible learning.
The
Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005 introduced a new duty
for the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to enhance, as well as assess,
the quality of education which it is funding. The Quality Assurance
Agency (QAA) (Scotland) works alongside SFC in fulfilling this role.
Assistance for Students with additional needs
As
for colleges (see above in this section), legislation requires HEIs to
ensure that students with disabilities are not placed at a substantial
disadvantage. HEIs do this by providing appropriate support to those
who need it and adjusting courses and learning/teaching approaches
where necessary.
Institutions:
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) Denholm House, Almondvale Business Park,
Almondvale Way, Livingston EH54 6GA Tel.:+44 (0)1506 600200 Fax:+44 (0)1506 600337 E-mail: enquiries@hmie.gsi.gov.uk Website: http://www.hmie.gov.uk
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education 183 St Vincent Street, GLASGOW G2 5QD Tel.:+44 (0)141-572-3420 Fax:+44 (0)141-572-3421 E-mail: comms@qaa.ac.uk Website:http://www.qaa.ac.uk
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