Supporting the transition of students into HE Julie Closs, Information Officer Danielle Lamb, Resource Co-ordinator Dr Clare Saunders, Subject Co-ordinator (Philosophy) University of Leeds Learning and Teaching Conference 5 th January 2007

Session outline About us About the Dyslexia Project  Background of the project  Outline of the project Group exercise Discussion Session  Small group discussion  Reporting back in plenary Our solution – the Book Project

About us Our mission statement is: “To support and promote philosophical, theological and religious studies higher education in the UK” We work with and for academics and students, to provide subject specific support for the learning and teaching of: Philosophy History & Philosophy of Science, Technology & Medicine Theology Religious Studies

About us The Subject Centre for Philosophical & Religious Studies (PRS) is part of a UK network of 24 Subject Centres, each of which provides subject-specific support to their own disciplines. The Subject Centre network is part of the Higher Education Academy: Subject Centre staff are PRS academics with a range of research and teaching experience who:  Run events such as conferences, seminars and workshops  Produce publications such as our peer-reviewed journal, Discourse, and the Faith Guides  Maintain a website with lots of resources and information  Run projects, such as the Dyslexia Project

Dyslexia project 2005/6 Enhancing Academic Achievement among Philosophy Students with Diverse Learning Needs  Academic staff & students from three philosophy departments: Lancaster University University of Central Lancashire Manchester Metropolitan University  Project consultant: Yvonne Bremer (special educational needs specialist)

Questions to discuss What are the differences in the way your subject is taught in secondary vs tertiary education? What do you think your students find the most challenging when they first start their degrees? What do you think would be most helpful to your students in making the transition from secondary to tertiary education?

Philosophy Student Textbook The Philosophy Student’s Toolkit Continuum Books (London), 2007 Co-authored by the SC’s philosophy team:  Julie Closs (editor)  Danielle Lamb  Dr David Mossley  George MacDonald Ross  Dr Clare Saunders