1. Promoting teaching excellence through student engagement in quality assurance processes Lindi Tlou 28 February 2015

2. Content Definition Criteria for measuring excellence Role of students in quality assurance as defined by Models Student engagement in quality assurance Benefits (students and lecturers) Challenges Conclusion Questions and Comments

3. Definition The word to “excel" means to be pre-eminent - therefore teaching excellence implies being pre-eminent (Little et al: 2007: 1).

4. Criteria for Excellence Robust and progressive strategic governance and management High standards of academic achievement A strong track record in student destinations Positive stakeholder satisfaction Commitment to research and academic development Support for social, economic and cultural development Recognition of the social benefit of education High level of student satisfaction An exceptional student experience

5. Question How is the term “excellence” used in the context of teaching and the student learning experience?

6. Role of students in quality assurance as defined by Models Students as Experts Approach  Students participation is limited due to hierarchies that inform and restrict participation Students as Experts Approach  Students participation is limited due to hierarchies that inform and restrict participation Student Rights Approach  Students are actively involved in quality and seen as part of their legal right Student Rights Approach  Students are actively involved in quality and seen as part of their legal right Student Co-constructors Approach  Students actively participate and co- construct quality assurance policies and practices Student Co-constructors Approach  Students actively participate and co- construct quality assurance policies and practices Student Feedback Approach  Students as recipients of service  Re-active and passive participants  Doubt the competency of students Student Feedback Approach  Students as recipients of service  Re-active and passive participants  Doubt the competency of students Students as Customers Approach  Customer-focused approach to education  Providers account for quality without making student responsible Students as Customers Approach  Customer-focused approach to education  Providers account for quality without making student responsible

7. “Excellence in student learning may or may not require teaching excellence” Students as co-constructors

8. Strategies on Student Engagement in Quality Assurance o Information sharing and training o Teaching and Learning Charter o Feedback (Course Evaluations and Surveys) o Graduate Attributes o Active Participation of Students (Student Quality Forum, Class reps, Faculty Houses, University Committees) o Reviews/ Audits

9. Benefits (Students) Students gain access to information about accredited learning programmes Understand the basic language of quality and quality assurance discourse Assess objectively the quality of provision or value of learning experience Actively participate as co-constructors in shaping the quality of education Improve the relevance, responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency

10. Benefits (Lecturers) Develop and use appropriate student outcome assessments to continuously improve student learning experiences in keeping with stated course objectives Employ a systematic approach to assess teaching, keep the class material up-to-date, make appropriate changes where indicated and set clear objectives that indicate the kind of thinking and acting expected of students Create an environment that invites constructive student feedback to the instructor Adapt teaching style to accomplish the objectives of successful student learning – reflection and develop excellent teaching practice guides Recognize own limitations and shortcomings, confront and learn from them – lifelong learning

11. Challenges Tensions between content and processes, form and procedures. Student cohorts and student leaders are always in transit Inadequate Financial Resources Silo mentality

12. Conclusion

13. Questions and Comments

14. KEA LEBOGA