Example 1. External Evaluator for the Integrative Learning CETL
The Centres of Excellence in Teaching and Learning were funded for 5 years to spearhead and disseminate excellent teaching across the sector. A fundamental requirement was that the centres involved an External Evaluator. I took this role for the Nottingham University based Integrative learning CETL between 2005-2010. Although this example is quite dated now I think it shows my ability to conduct large scale evaluation projects well.
Role –
- The team, led by Prof Martin Binks, shared their goals and mission with me from the outset and an evaluation strategy was built into every aspect of the CETL’s work.
- I undertook a range of evaluation activities throughout the 5 years that included benchmarking starting points, consulting widely via interviews, surveys and focus groups, with key stakeholders and providing interim and final reports.
- Being a critical friend along the way. Gathering information and reflecting it back to the team to aid on-going work.
- Contributing to national events on the evaluation of large projects via the CETL evaluation network.
Evidence of Success – The Integrative Learning CETL was considered to be one of the most effective CETLs having a tangible impact on the sector and used as an example of good practice. I claim no more than I was a part of this and that the completely integrated approach we adopted to evaluation enabled the CETL to learn quickly from and through its activities.
Example 2 – Review of the training strategy and materials being developed by the Global training unit at Marie Stopes.
Role –
- Marie Stopes provides sexual health services for women around the world and I first needed to understand more about the organisation and its training needs.
- Met with the Director and her team to discuss the role they wished me to take in reviewing their training approach and the materials which were to be used globally
- Two strands of work became clear – a bottom-up review of materials (urgent) and a top-down strategic look at the dissemination approach used globally
- I commissioned a medical specialist to support my review of material and report back on content and form
- I advised the Global Medical Director on key questions she had about strategy –often sourcing examples of practice from other organisation to aid her decision making.
- I reviewed the materials and provided feedback, meeting again with the Director of training who was spearheading the initiative.
Example 3 – I regularly review book proposals for Routledge Press and more sporadically for other publishing houses and journals.
Role –
- Accept an invitation to review a proposal or manuscript and accept the deadlines expected
- Read, note, research in order to evaluate the quality of the manuscript
- Write feedback for the author – aiming to be clear, constructive but also supportive and kind
- Keep to deadlines
Evidence of success – I keep getting asked!
Higher Education Assessment & Development 