Archive 2011-12 Project

Technology in Learning and Teaching

This project is currently looking into the student experience of using different technologies in their learning and teaching while at the University of Sheffield. The key research questions are a) what technology is being used? b) what is the student experience/satisfaction with this technology? c) does it affect the learning experience? d) what technologies would students like to see more of? Our researcher is currently running an online survey and will follow up with more in-depth focus groups to answer our research questions.

About the Researchers:

Eve Stirling is in the final year of her PhD in the School of Education. Her PhD work focuses on the use of Facebook by first-year undergraduate students, so she was an excellent candidate for carrying out this research project. Here’s what she has to say: 'I moved to Sheffield about three years ago. I love the outdoors and rock climbing so Sheffield seemed a perfect place to do my PhD. During my time here I've been involved in CILASS (Centre for inquiry Based Learning) as the ambassador for the School of Education. I'm particularly interested in researching what happens in higher education and the 'student experience.' I enjoy all things musical at the Students' Union especially the live acts.'

Personal Tutors

This project has been looking into the student experience of the personal tutor support system. Education Officer, Jon Narcross, commissioned the project because later this year he will be representing the student voice during a University-wide review of personal tutors. This research will equip Jon with evidence-based suggestions.

About the Researchers:

Thomas Ellerton is a fourth year PhD student in the Department of Town and Regional Planning. He is currently writing up his ESRC funded PhD, which had focused on urban regeneration under the New Labour Government. The research has involved exploring the role of policy coordination, and how this impacts on the processes and outcomes of urban regeneration at the local scale in Liverpool. Through this, it has been possible to explore what allows for specific interests, places, or people to be coordinated with urban regeneration, and also what gets marginalised. The aim of the research has been to better understand this process, and the barriers that prevent successful connections from being made.

Richard Dunning is a PhD student who ponders the practices of property markets. I spend my time investigating the behaviour and motivations of households as they search for a new home, posing questions about the information they gather and the rationality of the process they undertake. 'I have been fortunate enough to be involved in a range of stimulating research projects during my time in Sheffield, including work for the Department of Communities and Local Government, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment in New Zealand and Sheffield City Council. I have enjoyed living and working in Sheffield and with the University since arriving here as a fresher 10 years ago, and am looking forward to many more Flat White's in Coffee Revolution.'

'We have currently been working on a research project for the Students' Union which has looked at satisfaction with the Personal Tutor system at the University. The commission presented an invaluable opportunity to design and implement a research project. The Students' Union is committed to employing new researchers in the University, providing them with the opportunity to develop their existing research skills and experiences. The project is an exciting opportunity to engage students in shaping University Policy, and ensuring that the Personal Tutor system continues to meet their needs moving forwards.'