PROGRESS FILES

without files?

The “anorak”

beginning to panic a bit

People might think Progress Files

is mostly about ……

a file!!

What are they about?

• Structured and supported processes

• to develop the capacity of individuals

• to reflect on achievement and learning

• to plan education and development

Student outcomes• understand learning• review and plan• take responsibility• relate learning to

wider context• articulate goals• evaluate progress

But they are also about ...

• Accountability• Transparency• Expliciteness

in HE, alongside;• Programme Specs,• Subject Benchmarks,• Qualification

framework

Things that need to happen (1)

Learning at the University of Northumbria is related to the wider context of people’s lives; their pasts, their other current experiences, their careers, their futures.

Things that need to happen (2)

Students at the University of Northumbria learn about learning, learn how to learn.

Things that need to happen (3)

Students at the University of Northumbria acquire and can identify a range of lifelong learning or transferable skills

Things that need to happen (4)

Students at the University of Northumbria will develop skills in reviewing, planning and evaluating their progress and development

So how do we do it?

• Guidance Tutors?

• And Files?

• ????

Start with the academic programme

• Written guidance and support re. Progress Files? Course and unit handbooks?

• Review of learning prior to course? Induction? Introductory units? Ongoing theme?

• Semester by semester planning and review? Guidance tutor? Unit and course review processes?

Starting with the academic programme (ctd)

• Reflection on placements, work and “life” experience? Guidance tutor? Assessment?

• Acquisition and recognition of transferable skills? Units? Unit handbooks? Assessment?

Progress Files are ...

not about;• an add-on to what we

currently do• a collection of papers,

a portfolio, a file• something you can

“set up” and forget

really about;• taking a holistic view

of what we do• embracing a broad

view of the HE task• the quality of

relationship with our students

Start with a review

Of current content and processes of course.

Of Student opportunities

• to review, plan and reflect

• to identify transferable skills

Of the current relationship between the course and current Guidance Tutor arrangements

But don’t get carried away!

P.F.’s are;

“an individual’s personal record of achievements, progress reviews and plans that are used to clarify personal goals and can provide a resource from which material is selected to produce personal statements (e.g. C.V.’s etc.) for employers, admissions tutors and others.”

Which sounds a bit like….

A file!

For more info. on Progress Files

Public Folder

All folders -

Registrar -

LTA -

Progress files information

Web site

http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/ilt