Abstract

Debates and practices relating to improved student engagement have been gaining momentum since the mid-1990s and now go beyond individual student learning to involvement in structures and process at a subject, faculty and institutional level (Trowler 2010). Therefore the relationship and engagement between academics and student representatives within quality processes are essential in forging an effective partnership to enhance the design and delivery of a programme.

The student as producer model conceptualises active student engagement in quality enhancement processes. Such a model shares responsibilities among students, academics and institutions in relation to the whole teaching and learning experience.

This workshop will critique and explore ways in which we might strengthen the student voice and look afresh at the relationships between staff and students, repositioning teachers “with their students ...as partners in an inquiry into disciplinary concerns” (Cousin 2008:268); to develop new ways of working together to address the concerns of curriculum development, and learning and teaching at a subject level.

The workshop draws upon research projects that have explored firstly students understanding of quality processes and secondly a pilot study that explored new, more inclusive and meaningful ways of working in partnership with student representatives at programme level.

Specifically the workshop will:
- encourage delegates to reflect and share current practice in relation to student engagement in quality processes;
- share research findings of pilot work so that delegates can draw on this to inform their thinking and plans to develop more inclusive and participative practice in quality processes.