A STRATEGIC, LAYERED APPROACH TO EVIDENTIALLY IMPROVING STUDENTS' EXPERIENCES AND OUTCOMES WITHIN 'A SUCCESSFUL UNIVERSITY'

Abstract

This paper discusses how different strata of a university need to pay heed to the student experience with data garnered, as appropriate, from a l l levels of sample: international; national; institutional; departmental and course by course. The strata represent those at the top that form policies on teaching across the institution, heads of departments, academic staff and all those involved in helping students learn. It is argued that the student experience provides a bottom-up perspective on the reputation, values and ultimate success of a university in making active and future change in individuals. Finally, it discusses the balance between central systems of improving the student experience versus more devolved schemes such as promoting professionalism through Action Research initiatives for academic staff. Overall, it recommends an empirical approach to research which does not exclude teaching practitioners.