Students as Partners in Teaching and Learning
This new initiative aims to create a student-centred culture and partnership approach to teaching and learning (T&L) development and enhancement. “Students as Partners” (SaP) in higher education re-envisions students and staff as active collaborators in teaching and learning (Mercer-Mapstone et al., 2017).
The initiative, facilitated by UCD Teaching & Learning in partnership with UCD Students' Union (UCDSU), seeks to move beyond capturing the “student voice” and student representation towards achieving meaningful student engagement. It focuses on developing a two-way dialogue between staff and students in relation to T&L activities complementing other existing student engagement practices across the University. Student Partners in Teaching and Learning (Student Partners) work collaboratively with members of the UCD Teaching & Learning team on a range of activities, enabling them to bring their perspectives and lived learning experiences to support work activities led by the unit. In the academic year 2023/24 we have four Student Partner roles.
Aims
The overarching aim of the Student Partners in Teaching and Learning initiative is to create opportunities for students to engage in educational development and enhancement activities, and further support student-centred approaches to teaching and learning at UCD. The initiative will focus on developing a two-way learning and teaching dialogue between staff and students in relation to T&L development and enhancements. More specifically the initiative aims to enhance:
- student and staff relationships through collaborative working
- sharing of knowledge and experiences between students and staff and between students and students
- the provision of student perspective on enhancements of learning and teaching
- the transferable skills of students
- the sense of belonging by students within the UCD community
Guiding Principles
- The values of trust and respect are central to developing a meaningful partnership where students and staff contributions are given equal consideration.
- It is recognised that students and staff bring different perspectives and expertise to the partnership and can learn from each other through meaningful collaboration.
- Partnerships are inclusive and value the diverse and unique experiences, background and knowledge of all parties.
- It is important to ensure clarity around the role of the different parties and these are clearly stated and understood.
- Staff and students will work collaboratively and share responsibility for the development and implementation of T&L activities.
- The initiative will be flexible and open to new ideas which can bring change and enhancement to teaching and learning initiatives.
Students as Partners 2023-24
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Prachi Garg
MSc Human Computer Interaction
Prachi is a post-graduate student, studying for an M.Sc. Human Computer Interaction. Her decision to become a Student Partner in Teaching and Learning was driven by her desire to contribute to the academic community. In this role, she collaborates with different stakeholders on a variety of activities that aim to positively impact teaching and learning experiences. Her aim through partnership, is to make meaningful contributions for enhancing teaching practices and enriching the overall student and lecturer experience at UCD.
Myia Harrington
BSc Social Sciences
Myia is currently studying Information and Communications with Philosophy and on completion of this degree intends to continue to study at UCD as she will pursue an MSc in Human-Computer Interactions. She became a Student Partner in Teaching and Learning due to her interest in education, specifically how it is delivered, and how students and staff can work together to create a supportive learning environment for all. With the increased use of AI, she feels it is important to work collaboratively to navigate the best way to negotiate these changes ensuring both students and staff feel comfortable and empowered throughout their learning experience in UCD.
Alice O'Donnell
MA in International War Studies
Alice is a master's student in International War Studies, a joint degree offered between University College Dublin and Universität Potsdam, Germany. She became a Student Partner in Teaching and Learning because she is very interested in the effects artificial intelligence is currently having on students, especially within the context of assessment. In her spare time, she can be found reading, writing, and on sunny days, playing frisbee.
Rida Sayyedah
BA in English and Creative Writing
Rida is a third-year undergraduate student in English Literature. She became a Student Partner in Teaching and Learning as she recognised the value of student and staff collaboration. She wanted to not only inspire improvements on how staff understood student learning, but also create a change in students’ perception of what learning is and what it requires. Overall her aims in becoming a student partner aligned well with UCD’s Teaching and Learning purpose to cultivate and foster an environment for student and staff growth.
Student Partner Activities
| Partnership Activity | Student Partner(s) | Staff Partner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Co-creation of student guide: Empowering Students in Assessment in your module/programme (part of Inclusive Assessment Project) |
Myia Harrington | Geraldine O’Neill |
| Co-creation of student guide: Student Survival Guide for Managing Assessment Load (part of Inclusive Assessment Project) |
Prachi Garg Rida Sayyedah |
Leigh Wolf |
| Student Voices Podcast Series on Generative Artificial Intelligence (as part of the Teaching and Learning Conversations Series) |
Prachi Garg Myia Harrington |
Leigh Wolf |
| Webinar presenter to Teaching Toolkit Thursday Series - Supporting Student Learning | Alice O’Donnell | Leigh Wolf David Jennings |
| Development of a self-evaluation tool (part of Inclusive Assessment Project) |
Rida Sayyedah | David Jennings |
| Co-creation of resource: Assessment maps; addressing key issues (part of Inclusive Assessment Project) |
Alice O’Donnell Prachi Garg | David Jennings |
| Midterm Reviewers of SATLE Funded Projects | Prachi Garg Myia Harrington Alice O’Donnell Rida Sayyedah |
Aine Galvin |
| Exploring Generative AI (GenAI) tools for Learning (part of the Teaching and Learning Conversations Series) |
Myia Harrington Alice O’Donnell | Leone Gately |
| Co-creation of student guide: Engaging with Feedback on Assessments |
Rida Sayyedah | Geraldine O’Neill |
| TEL All Series Organisation Committee Member | Prachi Garg | Leone Gately |
| Student-Led Teaching and Learning Activity - Creation of Guide for Faculty: Students’ Perspectives on Group Work |
Prachi Garg Myia Harrington Alice O’Donnell Rida Sayyedah |
Aine Galvin Leone Gately Geraldine O’Neill |
Learn More
- The initiative team consists of staff from UCD T&L (Leone Gately, Áine Galvin & Geraldine O’Neill) and student representatives from UCDSU (Sarah McGrath & Martha Ní Riada) who will oversee the initiative design, implementation and evaluation in the academic year 2023/24. For further information please contact the initiative lead:
Leone Gately, Educational Technology Coordinator, UCD Teaching & Learning: leone.gately@ucd.ie
References
- Mercer-Mapstone, L., Dvorakova, S. L., Matthews, K. E., Abbot, S., Cheng, B., Felten, P., Knorr, K., Marquis, E., Shammas, R., & Swaim, K. (2017). A Systematic Literature Review of Students as Partners in Higher Education. International Journal for Students As Partners, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.15173/ijsap.v1i1.3119