I am truly devoted to improving education at the higher level. My goal is to create an atmosphere that encourages students to succeed. To do this, I believe we need a detailed plan that focuses on the top issues facing our schools1.
In this piece, I want to share the best tips and research from the UK. I will talk about making students more employable, improving tests, and ways to keep students interested. Looking into these areas will open new pathways for growth and prepare our graduates for their futures1.
The central aim is to build a leading learning space where students, teachers, and our research make a difference worldwide1. Our aim is supported by groups like the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council in Sri Lanka. They too are dedicated to achieving excellence1.
Key Takeaways
- Achieving excellence in higher education requires a strategic, integrated approach
- Focusing on priorities like employability, assessment, and student retention can elevate academic growth
- Leveraging the latest research and best practices can provide high-quality insights into essential elements of higher education excellence
- Fostering a world-class learning community with thriving students, expert faculty, and impactful research is a shared vision
- Accreditation bodies like the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council in Sri Lanka are actively working towards higher education excellence
Strategic Priorities for Higher Education Excellence
Institutions are focusing on strategic priorities to boost education quality. They look at making students more ready for work, improving feedback, and helping students stay in school and graduate.
Employability and Career Readiness
It’s key to include employability in what students learn inside and outside of class. This prepares them for jobs after graduation, from private to public to non-profit sectors2. By working closely with employers, schools keep their programs up-to-date with what the job market needs.
Assessment and Feedback
How students are tested and given feedback affects time for teachers, how schools are seen, and most of all, students’ futures. Tackling problems in assessment and feedback is critical for educational institutions today2. They need to find new ways to test that give useful and quick feedback. This helps students take charge of their learning and progress.
Retention and Attainment
Helping all students succeed and move ahead in education is vital. Schools should focus on programs that boost success and remove barriers to graduating2. By making everyone feel like they belong and offering support, schools can keep more students in school and help them do better. This makes higher education more fair and open3.
Taking on these key issues together is essential for topping in education. Mixing employability, assessment, and retention efforts will improve the schooling experience for students4.
“Institutions must explore innovative approaches to assessment that prioritize authentic, meaningful, and timely feedback, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and progress.”
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Teaching entrepreneurial skills can change lives. It helps students dream of their own businesses. It also teaches them to think creatively in any job5.
A key guide, the Framework for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Education, helps teachers. It shows them how to make learning about business exciting. This framework is made with help from groups like EEUK and ISBE. It’s for every student, no matter their future job goals5.
Advance HE has many tools to help with business and job lessons. They have stories that show how to succeed in business. They also have guides on making lessons about business more interesting. Plus, they offer projects to mix art, language, and business skills together5.
Entrepreneurship lessons are becoming more popular in UK schools. Small businesses need leaders. Big companies want workers who can create new projects. Schools have joined together to offer special business lessons and projects. These help students turn their ideas into real businesses6.
It’s not easy to teach business skills outside the typical business courses. But, these skills are very important. They help students start their own businesses. And they help students find good jobs when they finish school. Schools work together to find the best ways to teach these skills6.
Flexible Learning Approaches
Higher education is changing fast. Schools now realize that offering flexible ways to learn is key. This kind of education gives students choices in what, when, and where they learn7. Surveys show that many European institutions see the need for more flexible study programs. Also, there is a big demand for short courses7.
By focusing on what students need, schools can make learning better. This helps graduates fit in the modern, connected world. Students think only moderately highly of flexible learning. But, teachers know they can do better in offering flexible study options7.
Promoting Global Learning Experiences
Global learning opens doors for students. It helps them understand and contribute to a connected world. Schools must make sure all students can get these experiences. This makes for a better, more international education7. The Thematic Peer Group on flexible learning and teaching, led by the University of Agder, shows how important this is becoming7.
Using new tech and being innovative also improves learning flexibility. AI is a big part of this change in education. Schools are called to go digital and see it as a chance to get better7. With the right technology and an innovative mindset, schools can provide an exciting, flexible education to their students.
“Analyzing possibilities for the future and taking action empowered by insights is a crucial aspect of flexible learning approaches.” – Scearce and Fulton (2004)8
The future of higher education is in these flexible learning methods. They help schools meet the needs of students today. By using these strategies, universities help students become successful citizens of the world. This benefits everyone in our connected globe.
Partnering for Student Success
Working together, schools and students can bring out the best in each other. This happens when teaching practices are research-backed and effective, and there’s always open and positive talk9. It’s important for schools to focus on team efforts that help students grow and do well.
The “Join the Dots” program helps students move smoothly from high school to college9. It specially assists Year 13 students, especially those with fewer advantages, who’ve picked a specific university. Its goal is to make this step easier for them9.
This program focuses on making connections, building communities, and providing guidance9. It helps students set goals, feel part of the university, and supports them throughout. A PhD Coach works with eight students for six months, aiding them with their steps into higher education9.
Strong links between schools and their student groups are crucial for educational success10. Knowing about key performance measures in the UK, like the REF, KEF, and TEF, helps schools choose universities that excel in teaching and research. It can lead to fruitful teamwork, access to the latest tech, and jobs for graduates10.
“Decades of research on student engagement indicate that student-teacher relationships and student-student interactions significantly contribute to undergraduate student learning, motivation, identity development, well-being, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes.”11
Working *with* students, not just teaching to them, makes a big difference. This teamwork shows up in different education evaluations and surveys, such as the Student Outcomes Framework and Student Surveys. The University of Chester is big on this approach, aiming for fair, just, and inclusive education improvements11.
When schools and students team up, everyone wins. Teaching gets better, students stick around more, and they do well after school too. This helps both students and teachers feel good about their work and ready for jobs11.
As things change in UK higher education, like who gets in and how things are paid for, the value of close school-student links remains high9. By talking a lot and working together, schools can make their student groups stronger and help everyone do better academically. It’s a win for all involved9.
Education for Sustainable Development
Higher education plays a crucial role in promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). It equips learners to tackle global challenges effectively. ESD prepares students, no matter their major, with skills for sustainable living and to enhance our future12.
Guidance from QAA and Advance HE is helping universities add ESD into their programs. This includes teaching values and actions that help our planet. Institutions are working to make learning environments sustainable and to teach skills that benefit our environment and society12.
Integrating Technology for Enhanced Learning
Using technology to improve learning is a big deal in education worldwide. It’s important for institutions to use tech in ways that make education better and more available. Guides from Advance HE and QAA share how ESD can be part of teaching, learning, and student projects12.
Many universities show how ESD can be part of different courses and activities through examples and guides12.
Higher education is also using fun and creative ways to get students involved in ESD. For example, digital escape rooms and hackathons help students understand sustainability. Advance HE has many resources for teaching and evaluating ESD. The Future Fit Framework offers support for those who want to promote sustainable education in universities12.
Warwick University is aiming for Net Zero emissions by 2050. It’s making plans for a sustainable future, focusing on goals for 2030 and 2050. The university does research in various fields to help global development sustainably13.
Pedagogical approaches in ESD use diverse methods. These include thinking critically, creative scenarios, and working together14. Sustainable education covers many topics like protecting the environment and promoting social justice. Engaging and practical learning is crucial for teaching sustainability effectively14.
“Sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions, such as digital escape rooms, living labs, interdisciplinary hackathons, and student-led projects, aim to engage students in sustainable development practices.”12
Promoting Wellbeing and Engagement
In higher education, it’s crucial to care for student and staff wellbeing. There is a big focus on mental health and how to keep people engaged and productive15.
Many students today are part of Generation Z. They are very comfortable with technology but have had to adapt to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic15. It’s important to meet their changing needs and make sure they feel supported. This helps them do their best.
Since the lockdowns, there has been a big drop in student attendance. This shows a worrying trend15. To fix this, schools need to work on building a sense of community. They need to make sure students and staff feel appreciated and motivated to learn.
Dealing with mental health is now very important. In 2020, there was a big jump in probable mental health issues among young people16. The pandemic has hit hard, especially affecting those who were already vulnerable.
It’s crucial that schools act to support mental health. They should have strong strategies, mental health leaders, and early support services16. By taking care of those in schools, they’re more likely to be engaged, productive, and successful17.
Tom Lowe, an expert, will share his wisdom at the Student Engagement Conference 2024 in Leeds15. His insights on student engagement and participation are important.
“Students with good mental wellbeing are more likely to academically succeed and enjoy their time in higher education. Preventive strategies promoting positive student wellbeing are crucial in addition to crisis support services.”
By focusing on everyone’s wellbeing, schools can become places of academic success and growth. This helps create a strong community and supports future leaders and creators17.
| Wellbeing Challenges Faced by Young People in Education | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Experiencing the death of a parent or sibling | 4% |
| Living in lone parent families | 22% |
| Having mental health difficulties | 16% |
| Living in absolute poverty | 11% |
The table shows the tough life experiences some students may have. It points to the need for full wellbeing support16.
Focusing on wellbeing helps create positive environments in schools. This supports everyone’s growth and success17.
Disciplinary Excellence in Higher Education
Higher learning institutions must understand and meet the unique needs of each academic field. By focusing on every department’s specific needs, universities can build a culture of excellence. This approach affects how well students learn, research is done, and how successful students are.
In 2018, the DELTA Awards were created, showing a commitment to excellence. So far, 28 teams have won awards for great teaching. The next chance to apply for a DELTA Award is on 05 July 2023, showing how committed the institution is to recognizing excellence.
The DELTA Award recognizes groups that have done exceptionally in improving teaching. An expert panel and a student judge which groups win. The MTU Sport & Leisure Team and SETU School of Business have won before. Winning this award shows a group’s efforts to keep getting better and to inspire other schools to do the same18.
Research underlines that each academic field is unique, not just in what’s studied but in how it connects to the real world. With more diversity and higher expectations, universities need to support each department’s specific needs better19.
Universities must strive for excellence in every field to stay relevant and meet students’ changing needs. By putting each department first, they make learning more effective and meet society’s demands. This way of working benefits everyone, making the university a top choice for education.
“The DELTA Award sets a commendable benchmark for other institutions in higher education to aspire to.”
Anyone can get the DELTA Award, from a single teacher to a whole department as recognized by the school. This inclusive approach aims to promote excellence in all areas of study.
Now more than ever, universities face the task of promoting discipline-wide excellence. By offering support tailored to each area and group, universities help their departments excel. This effort not only enhances the university’s image but also its real-world effects, securing its place as a leader in education.
Best Practice Frameworks for Higher Education Excellence
Using research-informed frameworks helps schools find better ways to work. They use a consistent methodology to make collaborative change. This common ground makes it easier to talk about, shape, and review policies, processes, and practices. It helps schools aim for better teaching and success for students.
The Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) is a key example. It started in the UK to celebrate great teaching and learning in college20. The TEF process has a group of teachers, students, and business people check how well schools are doing. They look at things like how many students drop out and where they end up working.
Schools taking part might win a ‘gold’, ‘silver’, or ‘bronze’ rating. They could also ask for more money from students20. The feedback from these first checks will help make the TEF work better in the future. It will lead to changes that schools do together.
Working with the TEF and other best practice frameworks shows schools are serious about being excellent. It helps them keep getting better and making their students’ time in college even more rewarding20.
“Frameworks like the TEF provide a shared point of reference and common language to discuss, shape, and review policy, process, and practice in higher education.”
Leveraging Frameworks for Sustained Excellence
Getting the most out of best practice frameworks means using a research-informed and collaborative change method. Schools must join in on the checks, get advice, and keep getting better. This way of working doesn’t just lead to great teaching and learning once. It aims for a lasting improvement in colleges and universities.
Using best practice frameworks shows a college’s strong focus on quality, new ideas, and making students succeed. Schools that do this stand out as leaders. They help make the whole education world better2120.
Higher Education Excellence
QAHE is an outside expert that offers fresh insights to colleges and universities22. It creates places where honest talks can happen. This helps schools work better towards education excellence. QAHE brings in experts and offers tailored advice22.
QAHE knows what makes a university stand out in the UK. It understands things like REF, KEF, and TEF10. These things are important for doing well in research, teaching, and connecting with others. QAHE helps schools use these tools for the best results10.
QAHE offers a unique perspective to schools. It helps them understand and do better in things like the TEF22. For instance, it supports showing how well schools do in terms of who they admit and how much they help them learn. It also helps schools focus on making sure teaching is excellent, not just lots of it22.
QAHE and schools work together to make higher education open for everyone. They especially focus on helping those usually left out succeed22. By being a supportive partner, QAHE encourages schools to be their best. They aim for a more welcoming and achievement-focused education area22.
| Framework | Focus Area | Key Metrics |
|---|---|---|
| Research Excellence Framework (REF) | Research Quality |
|
| Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) | Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration |
|
| Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) | Teaching Quality and Student Outcomes |
|
Collaborating with top schools using these frameworks is key10. It opens doors to sharing new ideas and hiring top graduates10.
“Understanding these frameworks helps in identifying leading universities in various areas and can help businesses, nonprofits, and public sector agencies in forming successful collaborations.”10
Organizations must learn how they can help and benefit from these frameworks102223. It’s crucial for making successful partnerships with universities.
Conclusion
Looking back, achieving excellence in higher education seems complex but doable with the right plan24. It means focusing on key areas like making students employable, bettering how we check knowledge, keeping students engaged, and more. By doing so, universities in the UK make a place where learning and success go hand in hand25.
Using top models and new tech, schools can get better and stand out for their quality2426. The COVID-19 crisis also pushed for teaching in different and better ways, which might lead to a ‘new start’ in higher education25.
I believe the UK’s higher education is on the right path to keep improving and lead globally2625. It’s by following the best practices and key strategies. This way, universities can open up new chances for those wanting to learn, making a shinier future for all.
FAQ
What are the key priorities for achieving higher education excellence?
How can institutions support student success and engagement?
What role do best practice frameworks play in achieving higher education excellence?
How can independent organizations like QAHE support higher education institutions?
Source Links
- https://www.enqa.eu/wp-content/uploads/ENQA-Excellence-WG-Report_The-Concept-of-Excellence-in-Higher-Education.pdf – PDF
- https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/about-us/advance-he-strategy-2021-2024 – Advance HE Strategy 2021 – 2024
- https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/about-higher-education – Higher education initiatives
- https://www.ucl.ac.uk/strategic-plan-2022-27/plan-contents/academic-initiatives – Academic initiatives
- https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/teaching-and-learning/employability-enterprise-and-entrepreneurship-higher-education – Employability, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education
- https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/embedding-enterprise-and-entrepreneurship-higher-education-new-case-study-collection – Embedding enterprise and entrepreneurship in higher education – new case study collection
- https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20240131092829898 – Flexible learning and teaching: an opportunity for growth
- https://michaelduignan.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/flexible-learning-advance-he.pdf – PDF
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- https://www.chester.ac.uk/media/media/documents/guides/University_of_Chester_Students_as_Partners_Guidance.pdf – PDF
- https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/teaching-and-learning/education-sustainable-development-higher-education – Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education
- https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/schoolforcross-facultystudies/esd/ – Education for Sustainable Development
- https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/students-and-family/sustainability/sustainability-education/esd – What is Education for Sustainable Development?
- https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/fostering-holistic-approach-student-engagement-and-success-higher-education – Fostering a holistic approach to student engagement and success in higher education
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/614cc965d3bf7f718518029c/Promoting_children_and_young_people_s_mental_health_and_wellbeing.pdf – Promoting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
- https://www.guildhe.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/GuildHE-Wellbeing-in-Higher-Education-WEB.pdf – PDF
- https://hea.ie/2023/06/30/disciplinary-excellence/ – Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Awards Celebrates Outstanding Achievement of MTU and SETU Teams | Higher Education Authority
- https://www.lse.ac.uk/business/consulting/assets/documents/Teaching-excellence-in-the-disciplines.pdf – PDF
- https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/the-tef/about-the-tef/ – About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/universities-opt-in-to-the-teaching-excellence-framework – Universities opt in to the Teaching Excellence Framework
- https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/higher-education-teaching-excellence-social-mobility-and-student-choice – Higher education: teaching excellence, social mobility and student choice
- https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/teaching-excellence-framework – Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework
- http://oirap.rutgers.edu/msa/documents/eheguide5-29.pdf – PDF
- https://researchportal.northumbria.ac.uk/en/publications/conclusion-the-future-for-os-and-hr-educational-excellence – Conclusion: The future for OS and HR educational excellence
- https://www.nokut.no/siteassets/sfu/developing-educational-excellence-in-higher-education_2019.pdf – PDF