Posted on 11 May 2010
The postponement of the Annual Moderators conference, owing to January’s unrelenting snowfall, did nothing to deter a record attendance of moderators who recently rescheduled to convene at Cardiff’s City Hall.
The event, chaired by Professor Nigel Palastanga, (PVC), of the University of Wales, initiated with a lively induction session for recently appointed moderators, which presented an opportunity for more seasoned moderators to impart their own experiences. Those present, both old and new to their roles, were also able to discuss common issues and hear about the University of Wales’s initiatives and developments.
A series of interactive workshops led by Moderator champions provided a platform to discuss and share issues of good practice and concern in the following areas: the development of a research culture; student engagement; the Global Campus, and the respective roles of Moderator and External Examiner i.e. how they differ.
The day, punctuated with refreshments and regular interludes for networking, was lauded a great success by organisers and attendees alike who offered much positive feedback.
One newly-appointed Moderator commented:
‘The conference provided relevant and useful presentations with lively and interactive break-out sessions. I am now equipped with a greater knowledge and confidence to perform the functions that are required of me in my new role. There is much I have learnt from hearing the more experienced Moderators and academic staff speaking today.’
Moderators are appointed by the University of Wales on the basis of their expertise, which needs to be relevant to their respective validated programme. They are carefully selected from a pool of academic staff at the University’s Accredited Institutions and are charged with a quality enhancement and programme development role. A key responsibility of the role is to provide academic support to institutions wishing to improve the student learning experience.
It is hoped that next year's conference will be brimming with the same boundless levels of enthusiasm and innovativeness that we saw at this year's event.
For further information on the Annual Moderators Conference:
http://www.wales.ac.uk/en/ModsExternals/Moderators/AnnualModeratorsMeeting2010.aspx
For further information regarding the University of Wales, please go to: www.wales.ac.uk/
For press and media information, please contact Tom Barrett, Communications Officer, University of Wales: t.barrett@wales.ac.uk 02920 37699