Learning Outcomes: Why are they important for students? Jill Little Depute President

Overview Introduction to NUS Scotland Accuracy Transparency Academic and geographic mobility Employability Student Centered Learning

NUS Scotland…. was formed in 1971 is autonomous from NUS UK is a confederation of 56 universities and colleges represents 530,000 students in Scotland this equates to 85% of students in higher education and 93% students in further education

NUS Scotland is here to… Promote, extend and defend the rights of students Develop and champion strong student unions

NUS Scotland and Europe Member of European Students Union (ESU) through NUS UK Over 10 million students represented in Europe through ESU NUS Scotland leading project to engage students in the Bologna Process (funded by Scottish Government) Mobility Conference happening in April 2008

Accuracy Learning outcomes allow a more accurate picture of the learning experience Learning experience is much more than simply measuring workloads

Transparency Learning outcomes allow more transparency of degrees and modules – inside and outside Europe They ease the administrative process incurred by the recognition of modules and degrees Greater transparency to students – allowing them greater ownership of their own educational journey

Mobility More academic and geographic mobility – thanks to enhanced transparency, clarity and recognition Recognition from one institution to another but also from one study programme to another Benefits to life long learning

Employability Enhanced employability thanks to the clearer information on the learning experience, particularly abroad Skills and knowledge clearly set out, therefore employers have a better appreciation of a student’s learning experience Students can articulate their skills and knowledge better

Student Centred Learning An educational system focussing more on student needs Balance in the use of learning outcomes needed – Too prescriptive and would act as an impediment to the freedom of learning – Too broad and will mean very little to students

In conclusion… Implementing the use of learning outcomes with the ECTS would bring students A broader, fairer and more accurate recognition of their skills and knowledge A more transparent environment in which it is easier to engage with and choose from Easier mobility within academic fields, education systems and countries Enhanced employability in Europe and beyond More student centred learning

Learning Outcomes: Why are they important for students? Jill Little Depute President