SEDA Spring Conference 2007

Across higher and further education, the enhancement agenda is building momentum. At the same time notions of improvement and change are contested, processes for enhancement are diverse and questions abound in relation to definitions, models and underpinning values. This conference aims to explore what is meant by enhancement, what works in enhancing learning and teaching and what the issues are in improving what we do in a context of expansion and constant change. To what extent is enhancement another fashionable buzz word for more bureaucracy and managerialism or does it provide an opportunity to embrace a renewed focus on students?This conference aims to bring together a wide range of people involved in enhancement from lecturers and students to educational developers, researchers and policy makers in conversations which examine notions of improvement and change, explore the implications for the sector and share experiences and research findings.We invite you to share your experiences, concerns and understanding of the enhancement agenda and we welcome sessions which explore the research and evaluation evidence in this area. Conference ThemesThe conference will seek to address the following themes:

• Tensions within enhancement
• Researching enhancement
• Supporting staff to enhance learning and teaching
• Models for enhancement
• Measuring enhancement
• Enhancement and excellence
• The SEDA Conference Experience

SEDA prides itself on creating a relaxed, welcoming and positive atmosphere at conferences, which encourages open, constructive and supportive sharing of ideas, experience and practice.Feedback from participants at recent SEDA conferences:

• “Felt very welcome at my first SEDA event. Really great networking. Very stimulating debate and thought provoking sessions”
• “Great networking opportunity. Smallness of conference creates a lovely intimacy – easy to get to know people”
• “Good, friendly, supportive atmosphere. Good mix of interesting areas covered”

ParticipantsThe conference will be of particular interest to all those involved in promoting effective change in HE learning, teaching and educational development. This includes:

• Educational and staff developers
• Higher Education Academy staff 
• Lecturers and teachers in further and higher education
• National and institutional teaching fellows
• Centre for Excellence staff
• Managers of academic departments
• Educational technologists
• Quality enhancement policy makers

Pre-conference Seminar, Wednesday 9th MayHearing the Student Voice: Using Students to Enhance Professional Development in Learning, Teaching and Assessment PracticeThis year, on the day prior to the conference, the Hearing the Student Voice project will be hosting a seminar. The day will  enable participants to explore:

• the value and effectiveness of using the student voice within academic staff development
• case studies of innovative practice involving students
• what works best through interactive opportunities and discussion of relevant issues
• and share their experiences of using the student voice

Conference VenueThe Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of Glasgow, just minutes away from Central Station and just off the M8. Each of the guest rooms includes en suite bathroom, dedicated workspace with high speed internet access, mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities. Residential delegates will have access to the hotel’s extensive leisure facilities, including pool, gymnasium, steam room and sauna.On the evening of Thursday 10th May, delegates will be taken by bus to the House for an Art Lover for a wine reception and three course dinner. Located in the beautiful surroundings of Bellahouston Park and designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the House for an Art Lover is a truly unique venue. This is a wonderful opportunity not to be missed!