What the project is?
The University of Aberdeen has a long record of innovative curriculum development and the Strategic Excellence Initiative builds on that record.
Between 2007 – 2010 we were the first in the UK to take a whole-institution approach in reviewing our curriculum with the objectives of:
- Enhancing the learning experience
- Enhancing disciplinary study
- Producing better informed more rounded and flexible graduates
In doing so we created a curriculum that was more attractive to students and more relevant to employers and to wider societal needs.
The initiative supports the development of a set of four multidisciplinary electives as a partnership between academic staff and students. The process of developing and delivering these courses will serve as guidelines for future staff/student partnerships in curriculum development demonstrating to both staff and students what can be achieved.
It will also address the need for further electives. Success of the project will be clear from the generation of successful courses an understanding of the development process and analysis of the metrics associated with student experience on the various courses once they are running.
What the project hopes to achieve?
At the University of Aberdeen the sense of community is seen as a key aspect of the experience and is a central part of the strategic plan. Therefore by students and staff working together in partnership on this project we aim to strengthen this.
This project will provide a test-bed for student-led teaching initiatives and will provide a framework for further activity. The lessons learned working with students about differences in pedagogic style and differences in views on what they believe makes an engaging and effective learning activity will have a wide ranging impact across the institution.
For the individual students engaged with the project there will be significant opportunities to develop leadership skills and a chance to work closely with academic and professional service staff and so learn what is required to put together and deliver a high quality learning experience while also receiving course credit.
For staff the project will provide a clearer insight into what students perceive to be excellent teaching and an opportunity to explore a wide range of pedagogic techniques and ‘think outside the box’ around curriculum design. An understanding of each other will be a key outcome of this staff student collaboration.