A recent investigation by the Office for Students (OfS) found that students at a private higher education college in London were being taught primarily through videos and bullet points. The investigation revealed that teaching staff frequently changed, with some tutors even conducting classes while on public transport.
The report highlighted a second-year module where the tutor simply read bullet points from PowerPoint slides and played videos for the majority of the class time, offering little explanation or engagement with the students. In some cases, videos took up the majority of the teaching time, leaving little room for actual instruction.
Complaints from students included broken chairs, lack of support, and outdated teaching materials. The OfS investigation concluded that the college’s courses were not consistently effective, lacked educational challenge, and failed to teach relevant skills.
Regent College London, which is a private college under RTC Education Limited, did not respond to requests for comment. However, the director of RTC Education, Selva Pankaj, stated that improvements were already in progress and that the college was confident in addressing the concerns raised.
Despite Pankaj’s reassurances, the OfS deputy director of quality, Jean Arnold, expressed significant concerns about the findings of the report. The investigation revealed that some staff were incentivized with bonuses based on student pass rates, leading to courses with unrealistically high pass rates and excessive focus on test preparation.
In one specific business module, the investigation found that less than a third of the course was dedicated to new content, with classes starting late and ending early. Additionally, one tutor spent an excessive amount of time taking attendance, leaving little time for actual teaching.
Moving forward, the OfS will be closely examining the investigation findings to determine if any regulatory action is necessary. The report highlighted the need for improved teaching quality, student support, and overall educational experience at the college.
It is essential for educational institutions to prioritize effective teaching methods, student engagement, and the development of relevant skills to ensure a high-quality learning experience for all students. The findings of this investigation serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding educational standards and providing students with the support they need to succeed.
