What is it about?

This paper explains a model of working with higher education students that is about them being an active partners with lecturers rather than simply consumers of education. The model is based on a project and involves students acting as a consultant to provide their expert perspective on an aspect of teaching and learning that a lecturer identifies. Available from University of Huddersfield repository at http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/24801/

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Why is it important?

Student voice has become increasing important in higher education with surveys like the National Student Survey being used to judge an institution's value. However students seem more like consumers of education being asked for feedback than partners in teaching and learning. This paper outlines a different model for working with students to help to improve the quality of teaching in higher education. The model is about working in partnership with students learning about their views of teaching and learning through informal conversations.

Perspectives

Much can be gained from tapping into students' views and perspectives and this project is one effective way of working together (students and lecturers). It challenges the consumer model of education, where students are passive recipients, and presents a more equal approach based on engaging in a relationship with a student who can provide an authentic view of teaching and learning practices. Through this conversation real insights are possible leading to transformed understandings.

Dr Liz Bennett
University of Huddersfield

I am interested in liminal spaces that can allow people to step outside traditional roles/relationships and interact in ways that are less constrained by the role expectations. I think this paper shows the benefits of creating spaces where students and staff/teachers can have conversations and learn from each other. We need more ways to engage students meaningfully as partners and collaborators in education and the model presented is one example of how to do this.

Kathrine Jensen
University of Huddersfield

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Enhancing teaching and learning through dialogue: a student and staff partnership model, The International Journal for Academic Development, December 2015, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/1360144x.2015.1113537.
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