June 2019
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
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This conference examined development of the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF).
Timed as the Independent Review, led by Dame Shirley Pearce, reached its final stages, delegates had the opportunity to outline their views on the TEF prior to the roll-out of the first full subject-level exercise, the details of which are expected to be finalised this year.
Attendees looked at what steps might be taken to refine the Framework’s metrics, examining the balance of core and supplementary metrics, in addition to looking at the reliability and suitability of the data sets used in the TEF. Discussion addressed sector concerns regarding the current shape of the TEF, including issues surrounding the use of National Student Survey (NSS) scores and Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data, and the revised assessment model being tested in this year’s subject pilot.
Further sessions addressed the utility of the ratings system, which currently awards institutions gold, silver, bronze or provisional ratings. This followed the publication of the 2018 TEF results which saw thirteen institutions improve on their 2017 scores, prompting questions over whether this reflected genuine, significant improvements in teaching, experience with putting together applications or changes to methodology.
Delegates also discussed the utility of the TEF exercise more broadly, looking at how to ensure that the Framework rewards teaching innovation rather than encouraging teachers to stick to tested methods. In addition, attendees looked at how to improve awareness and knowledge of the TEF among prospective applicants.
