By students for students: Co-facilitating professional values in the classroom
OUTLINE 2 1)Introduction: project background, aims and approach 2) Challenges – small group discussion 3) Solutions – plenary discussion 4) Concluding remarks: finishing on a high note and future work
INTRODUCING THE PROJECT 3
4 Steps projects June 2013 Nov 2013 Expression of Interest 1. Accessed 19/03/2014 £750k allocated for “projects to … enhance aspects of the student experience” 1 Jan 2014 Project starts Steering Group formed
Aims Explore effective solutions to address challenging peer behaviour in classrooms Partner with students to form guidelines of professional behaviour & formulate communication strategy UBBS practice based vision: Explore code of conduct expressed as professional values.
6 Why this project? Student driven – NSS free text comments on challenging peer behaviour UBBS practice-based vision consistent with developing professional conduct Why partnership? Credibility of messages developed & articulated by students Ownership of message Empowers students Builds community of learners HEA theme
7 Approach Data Evaluation Focus Groups NSS data Unit survey data Articulation of code of conduct Key themes Key messages Communication strategies ????
September 2006University of Bedfordshire8 Steering Groups agreed approach Data evaluation Focus groupsNSS data Unit survey data
CHALLENGES 9
10 Challenges Logistics/processExpectations/focus Is the relationship really a partnership?
Logistics/Process Administration Co-ordinating diaries Timings – ethical responsibility for student workloads Attendance at focus groups Who are the data subjects? September 2006University of Bedfordshire11
Expectations/Focus 12 StaffStudents Holistic Personal Experience Solution focus Problem focus Community aimControl aim Behaviours/attitudes Specifics of teaching and learning
SOLUTIONS 13
Solutions Independent facilitator Step back from debate Prepare students for ‘insider research’ Wednesday afternoons 14
CONCLUDING REMARKS 15
Positive aspects Students were enthusiastic about and committed to the project Genuine sense of student ownership of the problem and solution Students were genuinely open to debate. ‘Fresh eyes’ – resulted in innovative ideas. Alternative view exposing misunderstandings, surfacing assumptions External facilitator was ‘blown away’ by our students. Valuable experience for the students. 16
Where to next Communication strategy Resources for specific learning contexts to support partnership between staff and students in establishing learning communities underpinned by professional values. Student involvement in new staff induction Extending the collaboration to include external partners. 17