Wendy Munro

1

• Wendy Munro
• LLN Progression Co-ordinator
• Building bridges or jumping through hoops

2
What are Lifelong Learning Networks?

• HEFCE Funded
• Higher Education Institution (HEI) led networks
  to increase the number of vocational learners
  progressing into and through higher education
• Staffordshire University (lead), in partnership
  with
• Keele University
• University of Wolverhampton
• Open University
• Harper Adams University college
• 15 FE Colleges
• Other stakeholders LSC, OCN, Local Authorities,
  etc.

3
A reminder of the aims of LLNs
The overall objective for Lifelong Learning
Networks (LLNs) is to improve the coherence,
clarity and certainty of progression
opportunities for vocational learners into and
through higher education.
Curriculum development to facilitate
progression alignment that removes barriers to
progression and bridging provision that forms
part of the HE offer and new HE curriculum
development involving employers (foundation
degrees, work-based learning, e-learning,
collaborative modules).
http//www.hefce.ac.uk/widen/lln/
4
Case study - Michelle

• Michelle is 44 years old, married with grown up
  children
• Manager in a nursery setting
• Employers state she has to have foundation degree
  in Early years
• No experience of HE
• Not completed any formal study for many years
• Feels studying at HE is beyond her
• She is terrified of the computer and refuses to
  switch it on
• Was completely freaked out!
• By the end of the induction she was in tears!!!

5
Develop and deliver module collaboratively with
FE colleagues
Research and evaluation with first 45 learners

• Recommendations and assess
• Usefulness
• Progression into HE
• Retention

6
One solution

• Module outline
• 15 credits - level 0 and level 4
• 24 hours contact
• Additional tutorials

• 2. Module content
• Research, critical thinking skills, reflective
  learning, academic writing
• Language of HE/ expectation of progression

• 3. Module delivery
• Varied 8 workshop sessions with CD ROM of
  learning materials
• CD ROM formed basis of sessions and materials
  used in workshops and independently by learner
  

• 4. Module assessment
• 100 portfolio using worked on materials from
  CD ROM
• 2 pieces of writing (1,000 words)
• Reflective writing (500 words) action plan

7
Recommendations
8

• Database search of peer
• reviewed articles (2,000)
• 18 articles reviewed
• Detail collected included aims
• and findings

Pre and post questionnaires with learners 45
pre 39 post
2 focus groups carried out with FE delivery
staff and HEIs Main themes barriers to
learning, delivery, retention and progression

• Look to see if this type of
• work existed across the LLN

9
What next?

• Established the module is useful to learners
• Does it encourage learners to think about
  progression into HE? Confidence and insight
• Has it helped them once they are there? - The
  right skills and retention
• Can we sustain it?

10

• Michelle - the update!
• She went on to complete the course including a
  presentation and a power point slide
• Spoke at a Staffordshire University meetings
  about her experiences
• She has started her foundation degree
• And is enjoying it!