Student experience as a measure of quality

Status:

Currently active

Completion Date:

Thursday, 31st Dec 2009 (Expected)

LLN:

Federation of Colleges - The University of Hull

Description:

Starting with the premise that students’ learning results from an interaction of the subject matter to be learned, the professional norms from the workplace, their interaction with peers and teaching staff, the quality systems in place could be expected to judge the success of such learning by applying these factors as criteria. However, Ofsted measures of quality are predominantly output focussed whilst QAA measures are against the criteria of the Academic Infrastructure; neither seek to recognise or explore the complexities of the interaction.

The study will use a mixed method approach to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The dominant method will be semi-structured interviews to gather qualitative data. It is envisaged that between 8 and 15 interviews will be conducted. A short Likert type ratings scale questionnaire will be used to triangulate the findings. Focus groups may be used to investigate unexpected aspects. The analysis of the data will include coding for qualitative data and descriptive and inferential analysis for the quantitative data.
The student group sampled will be HE in FE students at Hull College, on Foundation Degrees and Honours top-ups across a number of subject areas.

Outcomes:

The results could inform

• the development and application of internal quality measures appropriate to learning in HE in FE
• actions which could improve the student experience as articulated in the National Student Survey
• help inform HE in FE teaching and learning strategies

It is hoped that the study will provide information that can be used in future research.  The results may also link into current research within YHELLN on the emergent cultures of Foundation Degrees and their perceptions of worth amongst different parties.

Contact:

Name:

Glenn Barr

Email:

[JavaScript protected email address]

Telephone:

01482 381937