Welcome to the March 2017 edition of the Scholarship Project newsletter which includes latest news and updates aiming to support the development and embedding of a distinct higher education scholarly ethos the further education sector.

March 2017 The Scholarship Project Welcome to the Scholarship Project newsletter · Aiming to support the development and embedding of a distinct scholarly ethos in the college higher education (HE) sector · The project so far... Update from John Lea, Scholarship Project Director We are pleased to announce that the third AoC HE Research and Scholarship Conference will be taking place on Tuesday 27 June in Birmingham. This year's conference will build on the success of the previous years' in showcasing and exploring ways colleges can embed a scholarly ethos in their HE activity. We are calling for abstract proposals and contributions to the conference, either as a presenter or through a poster, and/or registering as a delegate. Please also spread the word to students and employers. In response to the requests we've had from several colleges about how they can get involved in the the project, we have organised regional events. More details can be found in this newsletter. Now that we are halfway through the funded part of the project, we are beginning to look towards the development of the final scholarship framework.  The evidence-base for what will be included in the framework will mainly come from evaluations of the numerous trials and tests now being undertaken by the 46 colleges who are formally part of the project. Some of the trials and tests have been informed by our collaboration with the key stakeholders in the project HEFCE, HEA, NUS, and the QAA. The theme for this newsletter is peer observation of teaching and wider scholarly practice. Below you will find some examples of the current work being undertaken to enhance this important area. You may also have a case study about how your college carries out peer observation. If so, please let us know. What is 'Peer Observation'? The Peer Observation of Teaching (POT) is a process that involves teachers themselves in the scrutiny and reflection of colleagues’ delivery. However, many variations exist and, therefore, it is often subject to influences of institutional culture, managerial wishes and external drivers such as quality standards.   Three think pieces available on the Scholarship Project website offer insights and critical discussion on the importance of POT in college settings, particularly in light of the new Teaching Excellence Framework. The project is also exploring, in the form of three trials and tests, how peer observation can be of most benefit in enhancing pedagogy in the college-based HE setting. Below is an example from East Surrey College detailing their work to date. Doncaster College and partners, and the Macclesfield consortia have also provided further examples. Jacky Brewer, Scholarship Development Manager, East Surrey College   The triad of colleges in this current trial and test are at different stages of the spectrum regarding peer observation.  College A has a collaborative, well developed and profound peer observation process where staff receive considerable professional development prior to each observation cycle which started four years ago. Initially they began with a shared process of the observee identifying what they would like the observer to comment on and encourages reflection in the process. It is a non-judgemental, mutual exchange between peers and because it involves research, professional development and reflection throughout the process, it is a scholarly activity. During subsequent years, with substantial professional development before each observation cycle, College A now use a thematic approach which covers identified developmental needs of staff (e.g. teaching research skills, questioning techniques).   The two other colleges do not use a peer observation process and staff are subject to the evaluative FE performance related model of observation which is undertaken by senior staff or management. College B's staff are subject to grading whereas HE staff in College C have the same observation model but are not graded. While HE staff in both Colleges (B & C) would like to undertake peer observation, College C are currently receiving outside support and have deferred from joining this strategy at this stage.   Recently staff at College B worked together to create a peer observation process that moved away from the expected tick box and judgement culture. Workshops supported development of a collaborative model and adapting the process from College A. Reading relevant literature and their own experiences in other institutes have helped towards the development of a new programme. A pilot group is currently going through the initial cycle of peer observation using College A’s model. Get your college involved in the Scholarship Project: Regional meetings Owing to increased enquiries, we thought it would be appropriate to organise regional seminars to: explain the work of the project to-date discuss how colleges not directly involved in the project can keep up with the project's progress and provide input into project activities and events offer a proposal to colleges interested in early adoption of the final scholarship framework Midlands/North West: Monday 27 March - Walsall College - Please contact Pal Sohi for further details.   South West: Tuesday 28 March -  Weston College - Please contact Pam Edwards for further details. North/Yorkshire and Humber - Thursday 30 March - Yorkshire and Humber - Leeds City College - Please contact Emma Rothery for further details. London/South East/East: Friday 31 March - London - Hackney Community College (Shoreditch Campus) - Please visit the event website for more information.