South-East European Research Centre (SEERC)

Dr Levy will present the work of CILASS, the Centre for Inquiry-based Learning in the Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield. CILASS is a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, awarded to the University by HEFCE in recognition of existing excellence in inquiry-based learning in the Faculties of Arts, Social Sciences and Law. CILASS is committed to supporting further development and innovation in inquiry-based learning, with the aim of embedding inquiry at the heart of the student learning experience in the University. In particular, CILASS promotes inquiry-based learning that involves students in discipline-based and inter-disciplinary collaborative inquiries, develops students´ information literacy capabilities, and uses information and communications technologies imaginatively to enhance the learning experience. Underpinning its development activities, CILASS is taking forward an extensive evaluation and research programme focused upon its key thematic areas. It is also leading an 18-month open-source learning technology evaluation project, funded recently by the Joint Information Systems Committee. This project will be assessing the value of LAMS (Learning Activity Management System) for supporting the design and reuse of inquiry-based learning activities.