National report shows Staffordshire University is part of teaching revolution

“As a result of a willingness to both innovate and expand, these universities have acted as engines of social mobility and growth for the knowledge economy, with more of their graduates moving into higher socio-economic groups.”

Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+

Staffordshire University’s growing partnership with the county’s police has been upheld as an example of employability best practice in a national report launched today (Friday February 10)

Commissioned by university think-tank million+, Teaching that Matters, is launched by the Universities and Science Minister, the Rt. Hon. David Willetts MP at the University of Greenwich.

The report highlights how a teaching revolution is underway in modern universities with new approaches to teaching increasing employability and improving the social mobility of graduates.

It uses as an example the working relationship Staffordshire University has developed with Staffordshire Police which has resulted in many students on the Policing and Criminal Investigation and Forensic Investigation awards furthering their chancing of employment by working as Special Constables.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Gunn said: “We are delighted that the report picks up on this initiative which is aimed at ensuring that curriculum development is relevant and meets the needs of the police as employers, while enhancing the learning experience and employment prospects of students by helping them to apply what they learn in the classroom to a work environment.”

“This report is important in highlighting the crucial and applied role modern universities like Staffordshire have in understanding the needs of employers and preparing students for the world of work.”

Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+ said: “Teaching that Matters sets out how student-centred teaching has a transformative impact on students by providing experiences that are interactive and inspirational and provides models of cutting-edge best practice which should be the basis for high quality teaching across universities.

“Modern universities have also responded to the changing needs of students and employers through the development of new courses and curricula and collaboration with business, local communities and public service-users on real-life projects.

She added: “As a result of a willingness to both innovate and expand, these universities have acted as engines of social mobility and growth for the knowledge economy, with more of their graduates moving into higher socio-economic groups.”

The report was commissioned following a request from the Rt. Hon. David Willetts MP for a review of the impact of teaching in universities and the ways in which high quality teaching is being promoted.

Teaching that Matters was researched and written by staff at the Centre for Developmental and Applied Research in Education at the University of Wolverhampton.