Students and staff co-creating curricula: an example of good practice in higher education?

Bovill, C. (2013) Students and staff co-creating curricula: an example of good practice in higher education? In: Dunne, E. and Owen, D. (eds.) The Student Engagement Handbook: Practice in Higher Education. Emerald, pp. 461-476. ISBN 9781781904237

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Abstract

<p>Purpose: Over the last decade, there has been a resurgence of interest within the higher education sector in students becoming producers, partners and co-creators of their own learning (Bovill et al, 2011; Little, 2011; McCulloch, 2009; Neary 2010; Werder and Otis, 2010). Individual academic staff and some institutions are creating exciting ways of engaging students more meaningfully in curriculum design. This paper will explore the literature and examples of practice and analyse whether students and staff co-creating curricula can be considered as good practice.</p> <p>Approach: I present background literature and an overview of some of the rationales given by staff to explain why they are interested in providing opportunities for students to co-create curricula. I also briefly outline some of the benefits resulting from the processes and outcomes of co-created curricula. I then summarise a range of examples to illustrate ways in which students and staff are working together to co-create curricula. Finally, using Chickering and Gamson’s (1987) seven principles of good practice in undergraduate education, I analyse whether students and staff co-creating curricula demonstrates any of these seven principles of good practice.</p> <p>Findings: This study found that there was good alignment between five out of seven of Chickering and Gamson’s principles of good practice with work involving students co-creating curricula. There were relatively weaker links to the remaining two principles.</p> <p>Practical implications: Based on the findings and the co-created curricula literature, recommendations are made that include: explore different possible forms of co-creation; start co-creation early in students’ experience; acknowledge but work within constraints; and talk to your students about learning and teaching.</p>

Item Type:Book Sections
Keywords:Curriculum design course design co-creation student partnership student voice
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bovill, Dr Catherine
Authors: Bovill, C.
Subjects:L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2361 Curriculum
College/School:University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division
Publisher:Emerald
ISBN:9781781904237

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