The Association of National Teaching Fellows Symposium and what we did last year: an example
- Debbie Holley
- Oct 28
- 3 min read
The call for abstracts just coming out.. deadline 15th December
This is the work that colleague Ben and I submitted last year, but the NTF symposium encourages creativity, innovation and engagement. So we decided to reframe our face-to-face session as a murder mystery, and support this with a more formal briefing report on the detail of how we developed the work via a QR Code.
Title:
Focusing on Strengths: Using Appreciative Inquiry for Teaching Observation
Abstract:
In the Department of Nursing Science, we faced the challenge of aligning teaching observations with OFSTED's rigorous standards for evidence of good practice while supporting a developmental, supportive approach. Our department teaches both BSc Nursing students and Registered Degree Nursing Apprentices (RNDA) in the same classrooms, necessitating a creative approach to observation. By integrating Appreciative Inquiry (AI) into our practice, we shifted the focus from identifying problems to building on strengths. AI provided a robust framework for our teaching observations, linking the values of the institution, discipline, and Apprenticeship scheme. The approach was praised for its theoretical underpinnings and leadership, ultimately contributing to our department's 'Outstanding' grade. AI’s emphasis on empowerment, collaboration, and the co-creation of ideas aligned with the principles of involvement and engagement, setting a strategic course for future development and ensuring the growth and flourishing of both staff and students in an inclusive learning environment.
Tweet:
Integrating Appreciative Inquiry into teaching observations helped our Nursing Science department meet OFSTED's standards, earning an 'Outstanding' grade while supporting collaborative growth #NursingEducation #AppreciativeInquiry
Keywords
Teaching observation, Nursing, Appreciative Inquiry
15 minute paper presentation
Innovation and Impact theme
Our first slide:
and this is the briefing paper
Appreciative Inquiry is a robust and defendable stance from which to frame a teaching observation and quality enhancement body of work. It builds upon and assists in the cross-tabulation of the values of the institution, the discipline and the Apprenticeship scheme, and evidences an institution's commitment to delivering a high-quality learning experience. The shift from ‘problems’ to what works well underpins much of what OFSTED is seeking.
Thematic analysis outcomes of the teaching observations:
Safe and inclusive classroom staff/student collaborations that enable sense making through role play, group discussion, technology enhanced learning tools, psychological safety experienced by students
The Integration between theory and practice, with real life examples
The promotion of critical thinking and reflection; especially enhancing the learners to reflecting upon complex health care needs
Diversity and Inclusion are embraced in the classroom, with staff ensuring social determinants and culture are considered when planning and delivering sessions
Innovation and creative pedagogies embedded as part of wider sets of learning resources, with Lego Serious Play, Expert patients, Collage, Service users, ‘Teddy tales’ all cited as examples
Appreciative Inquiry was highly valued as an approach for discussions
Acknowledgments:
The BU SWSP team, Dr Lou Oliver, Dr Orlanda Harvey, Richard Williams for sharing their creation, and working with us to deliver it
Dr Rowena Slope (RNDA Programme Leader) and Dr Helena de Rezende (RNDA group personal tutor) and all the BU Nursing team
Jakob Rossner, HSS Faculty Learning Technologist
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