Many Universities across the UK are already using this learner centred approach in their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees:
The University of Warwick has developed a ‘Reinvention Centre' - part of a national initiative to create Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning aiming to expand student involvement in research based learning activities and projects.
The Centre for Active Learning at the University of Gloucestershire has piloted a similar research based teaching approach in Geography and Environment and related disciplines. This work is now internationally recognised. The Centre acts as a catalyst for research on the use of the principle of 'active learning' in university teaching.
Professor Bill Hutchings directs the Centre for Enquiry Based Learning at Manchester University. It encourages students to identify their own issues and questions in a specific subject area so that they are able to conduct their own independent research. The centre is funding major projects in both the sciences and humanities disciplines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The University of Huddersfield has developed a Case Based Learning project that is specific to Politics. It includes a number of detailed case studies of activities that can be used in lectures and tutorials.
The Oxford Learning Institute's Centre for Excellence in Preparing for Academic Practice is a five year project focusing on supporting postgraduate students who wish to progress into teaching. The site includes a discussion and examples of teaching and academic practices.
The Centre for Inquiry Based Learning at Sheffield University also supports students in developing self directed research projects in the area of Arts and Social Sciences, both individually and in larger groups.
The Centre for the Development of Teaching and Learning at the University of Reading is a cross faculty project that encourages students to develop their research skills by participating in research projects with members of academic staff. This often incorporates fieldwork and evidence collection from the University's museums.
The University of Surrey's Centre for Excellence in Professional Training and Education aims to encourage and reward excellent teaching and learning practices, broadening the use of enquiry based learning. It also supports students in finding work based placements to develop their enquiry, observation and problem solving skills.
The Universities of Manchester, Reading, Sheffield and Surrey have also joined together in a Learning Through Enquiry Alliance in order to bring together best practice in the area of enquiry based learning.