A Major Incident - Real World Lessons Outside The Classroom
Due to the nature of the subject, the current provision for universities’ offering Forensic Science, relies heavily on a variety of teaching pedagogies. However; due to the inability to find placements for these students, traditional methods are limited and offer no sustainable development. With this in mind, an innovative assessment strategy, in the form of a “Major Incident” was designed using a collaborative and experiential approach to learning.
Current methodologies for assessment strategies were reviewed and the need for highlighting real life experience that meets employers’ needs and expectations was highly evident. Looking across all three year groups it was noticed that there was an opportunity for students to work together in a unique and challenging way where they could share their level of knowledge and understanding with each other. The fact that this could form an assessment for all concerned was an added incentive.
The Major incident remains a two day assessment where students are charged with working alongside seasoned professionals and across faculty with relevant disciplines such as Policing and Paramedic Science in a realistic setting. Activities were mapped to learning outcomes across modules to ensure the assessment opportunities were relevant to the particular year group. Engagement with the Constabulary was imperative and essential for accuracy during both planning and execution to ensure professional standards were maintained. Alumni and current students have also factored heavily in the evolution of the current approach, using their own experiences of education to inform teaching.
Results have shown notable changes within the student groups since the Major Incident. Students which have appeared disengaged in the past have reengaged, not only within their lectures but within their own cohort. They are also engaging with other year groups which serve to help them with future studies. Confidence levels have also increased, with those students once quiet within a classroom environment, putting themselves forward for tasks and questioning.
Ashleigh Hunt is a Lecturer in Forensic & Investigative Science in the department of Science, Natural Resources and Outdoor Studies. She has a breadth of experience in law enforcement and criminal investigation. Having served with Thames Valley Police, one of the largest forces in Britain, she has since narrowed her focus to forensic investigation and is a professional member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
She has recently been awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Award for Teaching and Support of Learning for creating an innovative and exciting learning environment for students, transcending the conventions of classroom teaching by taking forensic science into the simulated environment of a major incident
Ashleigh lectures full-time at the University, sharing her expertise in modules on crime scene investigation and forensic analysis. She aims to take a hands-on approach where possible, teaching important investigative techniques, such as photography and fingerprinting, and developing their use for the investigation of complex crime scenes
Her current PhD research is in the area of preventive trauma management for public services and the military.