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Review of Modular Implementation in a University
Author(s) -
Billing David
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
higher education quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.976
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1468-2273
pISSN - 0951-5224
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-2273.1996.tb01687.x
Subject(s) - flexibility (engineering) , cohesion (chemistry) , modular design , discipline , broad spectrum , psychology , medical education , process management , public relations , engineering management , computer science , political science , business , engineering , management , medicine , chemistry , organic chemistry , law , economics , combinatorial chemistry , operating system
While the pros and cons of modularisation of British degree programmes are often debated, there are few appraisals of large structures following implementation. This paper reports on a substantial review during 1994 of the effectiveness, judged against its aims and incidental effects, of the modular framework at one large and dispersed British university. This was undertaken by a small project team using a questionnaire survey and focus group discussions with staff and students, 18 months after the major implementation. The results confirm the practicality of the basic framework, but indicate that the stated purposes have been achieved to varying extents. For example, flexibility for students has been increased, although not yet in practice to the extent intended; new inter‐disciplinary degrees have been catalysed. The problems mainly concern the cohesion of student experience and the supporting infrastructure: student records, management information, timetabling and room allocations, educational guidance, module registration. There have also been major problems with the load and timing of assessments. The Review culminated in proposals from the project team, accepted by the Academic Council, for fine‐tuning rather than for radical change. Some needs for longer term consideration were also identified.