The Learning and Teaching Strategy 2011-16

The Learning and Teaching Strategy (LTS) 2011-16 was approved by Senate in June. Developed in consultation with staff and students and informed by the research undertaken to define our offer to 2012 undergraduate entrants, the LTS defines our aspirations for the period to July 2016 and sets out the areas we need to be working on in order to achieve them.

The strategy is informed by the university’s Strategic Plan and overarching objectives, and also closely aligned with other institutional strategies (e.g. Internationalisation, Estates and Employability Strategies). In striving to meet our aspirations, we have identified ten priority themes to shape our activities. The strategy also details the Sheffield Graduate attributes, which all students should have the opportunity to develop through their learning experience.

Strategy implementation and monitoring

Phase 1 of the LTS implementation (Project 2012, 2011-2012) focused on preparing for the first undergraduate cohort subject to the new fees regime in 2012, and details of specific work undertaken can be found here or via the Project 2012 link in the left hand menu. A progress update of work on the priority themes of the strategy can be downloaded to the right.

Looking to the next phase of implementation and beyond September 2012, a number of priorities in the strategy will require medium or longer-term planning, and many will build upon solid foundations from Project 2012 work. Progress on implementation of the strategy is reported to the institutional Learning and Teaching Committee (LTC) through the work of the Enhancement and Strategy Sub-Committee (ESSC).

Delivering the Strategy and sharing practice

Institution- and faculty-wide learning and teaching development projects and funding are informed by the strategic priorities. Implementation and delivery of the strategy requires partnership working between academics, professional services and students, as well as collaborative engagement with agencies external to the university. Sharing information, resources and case studies arising from this work will take place through the new LeTS toolkit for learning and teaching and project webpages, as well as the annual Learning and Teaching Conference, faculty workshops and project related events.