The Principles and Qualities of Learning, Teaching and Student Experience
Principles
The Ulster University Principles provide the foundation for our operational plans and for the continuous enhancement of Learning, Teaching and the Student Experience.
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Inclusive
We aim to design, deliver and assess our provision as inclusively as we can. Where we have choice, we select inclusivity.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this Principle:
- Designing more accessible content - Quick Guide
- Making learning content accessible with Ally within Blackboard Ultra
- Making your Blackboard Ultra module usable and accessible
- Inclusive and Accessible Curriculum & Assessment - Learning Enhancement Workstream
- Digital Accessibility - Learning Enhancement Workstream
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Active and Collaborative Learning
We believe that learning is a social activity. We select active, collaborative and experiential pedagogies to enhance student engagement, development and attainment, whilst building relationships.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this Principle:
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Continuous Enhancement
We use continuous enhancement to deliver better student outcomes and a transformative student experience.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this Principle:
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Better Working Lives
We are committed to supporting and enabling colleagues to design better working lives for themselves. People are at the core of everything we do at Ulster.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this Principle:
Qualities
The Ulster University Qualities are the common features of our provision that collectively defines our approach to learning, teaching and the student experience.
The qualities are the basis for our choices about focus, pedagogy, philosophy and resources. They are what give learning, teaching and the student experience the unique Ulster University flavour.
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Relationships
Ulster University highly values the building of relationships because relationships are central to the learning experience. This quality emphasises the importance of supporting students in their relationships with each other, their lecturers and support staff, and the University as a whole.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this quality:
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Authenticity
Ulster University aims to provide curriculum and assessment that is authentic, inclusive and rich in diversity. The learning experience is designed to be useful and relevant to students’ currently and in the future.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this quality:
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Sustainability
Ulster University’s programmes aim to prepare students for current and future sustainability challenges. Our learning, teaching and student experience aims to support the development of students as responsible, active and inclusive global citizens.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this quality:
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Digital and Data
Ulster University prioritises the use of technology to enhance the student experience. In addition, we use data to inform decisions about interventions, enhancements and the allocation of resources.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this quality:
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Wellbeing
Ulster University recognises our responsibilities to promote and support students to thrive as individuals. We create opportunities for students to explore their talents and interests as well as providing access to mental health and wellbeing support.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this quality:
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Research Informed
Ulster University seeks to create linkages between research, learning and teaching. It is our priority to create deep and meaningful learning experiences, cultivating students’ creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and independent research skills.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this quality:
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Valuing Voices and Advocacy
Ulster University knows that engaged students and their voices are core to the enhancement of learning, teaching and the student experience. We create opportunities for students to share perspectives and their lived experience with each other and the university.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this quality:
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Outcomes and Experience
Ulster University is committed to enhancing student outcomes and reducing equity gaps where we identify them. At Ulster University we want students to participate in all that university life has to offer.
Some of the ways the Learning Enhancement Directorate can support you with developing your practice concerning this quality:
- All the work across Learning Enhancement, as well as the wider institution, feeds into this quality.