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30 Mar 2006 08:54:48
A new £3.3m centre for teaching and learning has opened its doors in Luton and is set to attract international attention because of its unique approach to encouraging creative thinking.
The ‘Bridges’ Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) formally opened its doors at the University of Luton last week and more than 50 guests came to experience the impressive facilities for themselves.
“The Centre provides a very exciting opportunity for everyone involved to develop new approaches to learning,” said Centre Manager Rajini Pani. “The Centre will open up endless opportunities and possibilities not just to our students and teachers but to businesses and the local community.”
The Luton CETL is one of 74 around the UK that has been funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (hefce) in recognition of the University’s track record in teaching excellence. It will promote further work across all subjects with a particular emphasis on Personal Development Planning (PDP) and employability, to reflect the vocational nature of the University’s curriculum.
Some of the highlights include:
“The Creative or C-Space is designed to free teachers and learners from the constraints of the traditional classroom,” explained Rajini. “It enables us to move away from the classic didactic ‘chalk ‘n’ talk’ style of teaching, to a more facilitative approach.”
Within the Creative Space, computers with FacilitatePro software for brainstorming and problem-solving allow teachers to challenge students’ thinking and document collective learning.
“Teachers pose questions for students to consider and their answers are posted on a shared electronic flip chart for further commenting where they can organise and prioritise their ideas,” said Rajini. “This combination of individual input and shared output allows students to express themselves and engage in debate and to reflect on other people’s ideas.”
CETL Director, Mark Atlay, said: “The CETL will certainly appeal to our diverse student population. The equipment in the Centre will allow them to work in new ways, helping to bridge cultural and language differences.”
Several academic staff will be based at the CETL and will co-ordinate the development of Personal Development Planning (PDP) with programme teams and academics in their subject. They will identify and disseminate good practice and liaise with local further education colleges about PDP practice.
To find out more about the new Centre and its services, visit www.luton.ac.uk/bridgescetl or call Centre Manager Rajini Pani on 01582 743256.
Latest news» 2006» Mar» Centre of excellence set to transform learning in Luton
