21 September 2007

When collected systematically and used appropriately, the views of learners are key factors in improving the quality of educational provision. With the introduction of a more coherent approach to Learner Involvement Strategies across providers from September 07, many providers are looking to create or extend course representative structures and processes.

QIA has commissioned resources designed to provide support to organisations, seeking to gather valuable and informed opinion from their learners. This initial set of trial resources has been designed for use in FE colleges and sixth form colleges.

The first resource consists of an online toolkit designed for support course representatives to help them to fulfil their role. For learners considering taking up the role there is also an overview of what would be involved. Key content includes:

  • an introduction to the role of course representative
  • an overview of the skills necessary to represent learner's views effectively to the institution
  • a hints and tips section to assist representatives throughout their year.

The second resource contains guidance for staff on how to run an in-house, training session for new course representatives. Key elements of this online resource include:

  • tutor notes and slides on running a training session
  • participant workbook

QIA will be evaluating the use of these trial resources during 2007/8 and looking at how to further develop them to meet the needs of learners in work based learning and ACL.