University of Westminster
Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2020
University of Westminster
Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2020
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
EMPLOYABILITY-FOCUSED CURRICULUM
We will offer a distinctive, challenging and inspiring curriculum designed to develop
the capabilities our graduates need to be highly employable, effective practitioners
with a global perspective in a constantly evolving professional world.
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
We will foster learning communities in which students, staff and other
stakeholders work collaboratively as partners in the construction of
knowledge and understanding and in the development of the curriculum.
RESEARCH, INQUIRY AND PRACTICE
We will maintain learning, teaching and assessment practices that
enable students to experience learning through research and inquiry,
and through engagement with disciplinary and professional practices.
INCLUSIVITY AND FLEXIBILITY
We will promote an inclusive curriculum that caters for the
requirements and expectations of our diverse learning communities
TEACHING AND SUPPORTING LEARNING
We will ensure that those involved in teaching and supporting learning are
appropriately qualified, supported and rewarded, and that our learning and
teaching practices are informed by scholarship and reflection.
TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
We will integrate technologies into our learning environment to enhance learning
and teaching, and we will develop an infrastructure that supports active
participation in learning opportunities.
L&T Strategy – May 2015
2
University of Westminster
Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2020
EMPLOYABILITY-FOCUSED CURRICULUM
We will offer a distinctive, challenging and inspiring curriculum designed to develop the capabilities our graduates
need to be highly employable, effective practitioners with a global perspective in a constantly evolving
professional world.
Westminster graduates will be effective lifelong learners. They will be capable of contributing positively to a professional
community through their ability to combine expertise in their discipline with technical, analytical and social skills and
attributes. They will be highly employable, and able to compete in the global knowledge economy. Our location in the
heart of London enables us to draw on the commercial, cultural, political and social diversity and expertise of this
international city. Our students will have opportunities to gain an international perspective on their discipline and in many
cases, to work collaboratively across disciplines to broaden their understanding and experience.
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
We will foster learning communities in which students, staff and other stakeholders work collaboratively as partners in
the construction of knowledge and understanding and in the development of the curriculum.
Learning occurs most effectively within a social and practice-focused context in which the construction of knowledge and
understanding is facilitated through active participation in learning communities based on open collaboration and
communication. The concept of students as co-creators recognises the role of students as active participants in the
construction of their knowledge and understanding. Students will also work in partnership with staff to influence the
enhancement of the curriculum. We will cultivate learning communities within the University, and through local, national
and international relationships. Our London location places us at the heart of professional, business and cultural
communities.
RESEARCH, INQUIRY AND PRACTICE
We will maintain learning, teaching and assessment practices that enable students to experience learning through
research and inquiry, and through engagement with disciplinary and professional practices.
Course design will be based on the development of the learner and lifelong learning practices through interaction with the
knowledge-base of their discipline. A key principle is that learning is driven by a process of research and inquiry which is
owned by the learner. Course design will seek to ensure that students have opportunities for engagement with practice to
develop the learning capabilities and ethical awareness they will need to succeed. Continuous development of levels of
attainment will be promoted through the highest standards of assessment and feedback.
INCLUSIVITY AND FLEXIBILITY
We will promote an inclusive curriculum that caters for the requirements and expectations of our diverse learning
communities
An inclusive curriculum is based on a commitment to equality and diversity. The University welcomes students with a wide
range of educational backgrounds and life experiences – both UK and international – and recognises there will
considerable diversity in the learning approaches adopted by students. Furthermore, students’ personal dispositions and
their individual circumstances mean that there is a wide variety of different needs and expectations to be accommodated.
Disabilities, specific learning difficulties, caring responsibilities and employment commitments all potentially create a
demand for more flexible access to learning opportunities. An inclusive curriculum acknowledges this diversity and seeks
to anticipate and cater for the needs of all students.
TEACHING AND SUPPORTING LEARNING
We will ensure that those involved in teaching and supporting learning are appropriately qualified, supported and
rewarded, and that our learning and teaching practices are informed by scholarship and reflection.
The University is committed to valuing and rewarding excellent teaching and scholarship. Excellence in teaching and
supporting learning is founded upon both discipline-based expertise and effective practices as a teacher. The University
will support the continuous professional development of its staff in respect of the scholarship of teaching and learning to
ensure the currency of programmes, and to encourage reflection and the sharing of best practice. The University’s
Professional Recognition and Enhancement Scheme for Teaching (PRESTige) provides a framework for recognition and
continued development of professional standards in teaching and supporting learning. The scheme is available to both
academic staff and other staff who support student learning, including librarians, technicians and learning technologists.
TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
We will integrate technologies into our learning environment to enhance learning and teaching, and we will develop an
infrastructure that supports active participation in learning opportunities.
Learning technologies offer the potential of higher quality learning experiences, greater flexibility of access to learning
(and thereby greater inclusivity), and improved communication and collaboration. The University will maintain a vibrant
learning environment in which these technologies are seamlessly embedded in the delivery of our courses. Proficiency in
the use of digital and mobile technologies to support learning will be promoted as an essential capability for both staff and
students. The University will provide an infrastructure (administrative, regulatory, physical and technical) which supports
active participation in learning opportunities.
L&T Strategy – May 2015
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