Learning from and responding to the student voice
Sometimes student voice takes the form of feedback upon which we can act in the short term. Often student voice contributes to longer term thinking and action.
Spotlight on: the Handbook!
Students tell us that there are too many sources of information, and we are aware that sometimes students are not accessing the information they need.
For 2022/23, we have introduced a ‘Handbook for Undergraduate and ITE students’. This replaces all Programme handbooks. It includes information about the School and programmes, what you can expect from us and our expectations of you, through to signposting University guidance on Good Cause, how to report IT issues or raise Library access queries. It includes sections specific to your Programme but most of the information is common to all the programmes.
We are working to streamline Moodles to remove any duplication – there are no longer individual Programme handbooks separate from the School and we are removing separate content from Moodles where the information is contained within the Handbook.
Spotlight on: communication and who to contact for Course-related questions
Sometimes, students tell us that they have conflicting information from different staff. We all teach across multiple courses and Programmes and may be teaching on a course without being more widely involved in course matters and assessment. Often multiple staff receive the same email from a student and it is not clear what action is needed and by whom. So, we needed to think about how we could operate to make this work better for you. We have done two things:
- created the Handbook in which we very clearly signpost the correct source of information either within or outwith the School, so you know who to ask. This should reduce confusion!
- for every Course Moodle, we are working to standardise the format and introduce a Students’ Q&A forum where you can post course-related questions. Where the information is contained with the Handbook, you’ll be directed to look there, so that you have accessed the original source of information. Where it is a question which is not answered within the Handbook, the Course Leader will endeavour to respond within three working days. Course Leaders work closely with Course Coordinators and the the Programme Leader so are the best source of up-to-date and accurate information about the Course.
Spotlight on: organisation and management
Feedback processes told us that matters which we might broadly describe as ‘organisation and management’ were affecting student experience. Whilst we recognise that academic session 2020/21 and 2021/22 were operating in crisis mode to a large extent and do not reflect ‘normal’ circumstances, we nevertheless wanted to understand what we could do better.
As a result, we have embarked on a programme to review and refresh aspects of organisation, management and communication where you told us they impact on your experience, including a reshaping of our leadership structures within one of our Programmes. The Handbook and standardisation of Course Q&A forums is one aspect of this. The feedback in this area is key in our thinking as we look ahead to refreshing programmes for reaccreditation.
Spotlight on: programme Moodle hub
Feedback processes told us that matters which we might broadly describe as ‘organisation and management’ were affecting student experience. Whilst we recognise that academic session 2020/21 and 2021/22 were operating in crisis mode to a large extent and do not reflect ‘normal’ circumstances, we nevertheless wanted to understand what we could do better.
We are working towards creation of ‘programme hubs’ within Moodle in which all programme-specific logistical information is shared e.g. timetable rotations and seminar group lists. This will mean that there is one version of each, updated by the Programme Leader and Programme Administrator – avoid version confusion!
Spotlight on: networking events
We know from students that the prolonged time in which we were subject to COVID restrictions and predominantly working and studying remotely was very challenging. In seeking to rebuild our community, we organised a number of events between April and June 2022 including:
- the World Café event
- a June ‘conference day’ with opportunities to hear from an external speaker on character education, to have lunch with students and colleagues, and take part in in workshops on interdisciplinary thinking, again with an external speaker participating
- a ‘Bite and Blether’ for Year 4 and 5 MEduc students to share experiences and talk about ‘what next?’ in studies or progression to full-time teaching!
This year, we have run face-to-face inductions across our programmes to help you connect as a cohort and as part of the School of Education.
Spotlight on: staff-student liaison committees (SSLCs)
Our staff-student liaison committees gives an opportunity for staff and students to discuss learning and teaching matters, and we know that student reps will share information from these discussions with their peers. This session, we are seeking to understand how our SSLCs work and where there is opportunity to share good practice.
We want to make sure the work of our SSLCs is transparent and propose to add meeting summaries to this microsite so you can find out about the discussions which have taken place. This may be helpful in engaging with discussions about your learning.
Spotlight on: External Examiner reports
External Examiners play a very important role in helping us to improve our courses and programmes. All External Examiner reports are available on the Senate website and again, you may find the reports relevant to your Programme and Courses useful in informing your engagement with discussions about learning and teaching.
Spotlight on: scholarship and research activities
As part of their scholarship, staff regularly analyse and reflect on the teaching and learning happening in their courses. Depending on the project, it may be possible for you to have your voice heard by taking part in such research via interviews, survey questionnaires, or in other ways.
