LITE Masterclass - Designing a practical curriculum

A FRAMEWORK for a practical curriculum to 'bridge the divide' between procedural and investigative approaches to a degree will be the focus of the first in a new series of LITE Masterclasses.

Respected academic Michael Seery, who is a reader in chemistry education at the University of Edinburgh will deliver the workshop, the first in a new series of Masterclasses organised by the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence (LITE).

He said:

"Practical work is of central importance to science degrees, but there is ongoing dissatisfaction with the nature and scope of it.

"In chemistry, practical work is known to emphasise procedural tasks, with evidence that students do not engage intellectually during learning time.

Our work has focussed on reconsidering a practical curriculum, in chemistry, but that considers the development of practical competencies, ability to plan, and consider nature of science aspects in a structured manner.

"Our approach is underpinned by (i) having a core purpose of learning how to “do” science, (ii) considering what can be learned from the general literature on cognitive load, (iii) considering the role of formative assessment, and (iv) consideration about the affective domain.

"This presentation will outline our framework with particular focus on developing and assessing practical competencies and bridging the divide between procedural and investigative approaches."

The Institute, nearly into its third year, provides funding, time and support for current and future student education leaders to develop their profile at the University of Leeds and to carry out research and innovation projects with internal and external impact.

Professor Tina Overton, Director of LITE, said:

We are delighted to welcome Michael to LITE, and the University. This will be an exciting presentation and one that can be applied to a much wider field than just science and chemistry.

Lunch is provided.

For further reading, Michael Seery maintains a blog on various aspects of education.

To register your interest, and to help plan ahead for catering, please contact Rekha Parmar: r.e.parmar@leeds.ac.uk