Since 2009, the Student Learning Assistants (SLAs) scheme has been embedded within the curriculum to offer peer-to-peer learning support to students. The scheme is managed by Simbo Ajayi, Beaullah Mlanjira and Dhana Letchmanan of the PAL Team under the directorate of David Clover, Head of Library and Learning Enhancement. The SLAs for Success Team started as a cross- departmental working group made up of the central PAL Team, Dr Zainab Kazim Ali (Science and Technology) with Faculty insight and Asanka Dayananda (Centre for Academic Practice Enhancement) who advised on learning technologies.
The main focus of the group is to ensure the quality of the SLA scheme in light of the ever increasing numbers of SLAs and provide support for training and development of the SLAs. The team has since grown to include a diverse group of staff from across the university including Dr Inderjit Grewal of Learning Enhancement Team (LET), Paul Kirk (Director of International Preparation and Exchanges), Claire Yates Wedge (Employability Service Manager), Julie Crabb (Head of Student Support and Wellbeing) and John Magpayo (Accounting and Finance Technician, Business School).
Central to the team are the student representatives and Senior SLAs represented by Aurel Marian, Daniela Humajova, Maria Ntyli and Migle Simaskaite. The team’s approach borders on instilling core student-focused values, bridging the academic/professional service divide, as well as providing leadership and progression opportunities for SLAs.
The team has afforded student voices to be heard, for them to co-create resources, and lead aspects of SLA training, employability and wellbeing workshops. Through their collaborative efforts, SLAs have been instrumental in sharing teaching and learning good practice across the university and providing student insight towards curriculum-based projects. Feedback avenues have encouraged them to critique inadequate student support and contributed to positive institutional change.
SLAs have pioneered a culture of mentoring and coaching among students. They continue to partner with departments in building dynamic and engaging student communities, and contributing to student success. The team’s collaborative approach has wide-reaching impact on teaching and learning, student experience, wellbeing, inclusivity, student leadership and employability.
