Academic & Student Affairs

Queen’s University Belfast

Academic Quality Assurance Framework

MODULE REVIEW

Purpose of Module Review

Reflecting on the content and delivery of teaching is an ongoing part of normal activity for academic staff within the University.  Module Review provides a formal opportunity for staff to reflect on the most recent delivery of the module and consider how the module can be presented in the future.  Module Review is a collective self-evaluation undertaken by the staff responsible for the module, supported by external examiners’ reports and student views, and, where appropriate, by colleagues within the School.

Timing

It is important to review the modules soon after they are delivered.  Reviews normally take place at the end of the semester in which the module has been taught and, where possible, within six weeks of the end of the module.

Module Review Group

Staff responsible for the module should review the module.  It may be more convenient for the Module Review Group to consider more than one module.  Where possible, students should be included in the Module Review Group, drawn from the membership of a relevant SSCC, and any other interested groups.

Student Feedback

It is essential to have written student feedback on the module – this could be in the form of student evaluation questionnaires.

Evidence

In addition to written student feedback, the module reviewers should consider as wide a range of evidence as possible.  They will be checking the module descriptors to ensure that the learning outcomes are appropriate and the teaching, learning and assessment methods are appropriate.  Assessment results should be considered when reviewing the module.  Comments from external examiners, members of staff, employers and accreditation bodies should be taken into account where appropriate and available.

Issues to Consider

The Module Review Group should reflect on what went well with the module and the reasons for this, and what may require improvement.  The Module Review Group should also consider if there have been any changes in the wider subject environment or innovations in pedagogy which would impact on the module.  The Module Review Group should consider if any proposed changes to the programme would impact on the module.  Questions to consider include the following:

• Were the module learning outcomes appropriate/achieved/realistic?
• Was the module content relevant?How effective is feedback to students on their performance?
• How are students assessed and their progress evaluated?
• Has the quality of learning opportunities assisted the students in achieving the module outcomes?
• Do the modules link into the programme aims?
• Have actions been taken in light of earlier reviews?
• Have actions been taken in light of comments by external examiners?
• Are any changes proposed?

Report

Brief minutes should be kept of the module review meeting.  A template is attached (Appendix 1) which can be adapted by Schools for their own use.  The Module Review Group should ensure that any changes to the module are approved by the appropriate committee/group within the School.

Next Steps

Where changes are made to the module, the Module Review Group should ensure that all electronic and printed information relating to the module are amended as appropriate.  The School should ensure that all major changes to modules are reported to the Courses and Regulations Group.