ABSTRACT
SUMMARY This chapter summarises developments in response to pressures for change in styles of learning and teaching at Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education (CGCHE) and outlines the strategies employed to promote the change from a teaching-driven organisation to a learning-driven one.
In common with other institutions in higher education, CGCHE places learning at the centre of the college’s three main areas of activity: teaching, research and commercial activity. Recent developments towards becoming a ‘learning college’ have focused essentially on a learner-centred approach for deep learning, rich in structure and meaning. The college recognises that the prerequisites for such developments include appropriate beliefs, values, attitudes and perception among college staff and is now starting to address these issues.
The Faculty of Information Services’ work to promote change in these areas has involved the development of strategic alliances to ensure the promotion of effective learning-centred policies and strategies. Developments implemented by the faculty have included a range of elements, each equally important to providing the infrastructure necessary to support student learning. The components of this jigsaw include the establishment of a Flexible Learning Design and Development Unit, the formation of a Flexible Learning Area to promote and accommodate flexible delivery and independent learning activities, the installation of college-wide network facilities, and the integration of Information Technology and Library Services within recently established Learning Centres.
This holistic approach views each element as essential and complementary to developing the learning college. All parts must be present to complete successful change in support of learning. However, tackling the difficult human resource issues is central to the strategy’s success.
