Transcript Document
How to be an effective Course Representative
How to be an effective Course Representative
Introduction
Task
Talk to the person next to you and find out their name, course and their passion!
Now introduce the person next to you, including all the above information.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Aims and objectives
Explore the role of a Course Rep Identify skills used and developed by Course Reps Identify ways of gathering student opinion and evidence Discuss the student learning experience Discuss general meeting practice
How to be an effective Course Representative
What is the Students’ Union?
‘The Students’ Union is a campaigning and representative body which aims to advance education for students at Queen Mary, University of London.’
How to be an effective Course Representative
What is the role of a Course Rep?
Task
On the worksheet in front of you, take a couple of minutes to write down what you think the role and purpose of a Course Rep is and why you wanted to be one
How to be an effective Course Representative
What is the purpose of a Course Rep?
What did you write down?
To represent student views on all aspects of learning and teaching on your course.
To gather evidence and opinions from a wide range of students on your course.
To work in partnership with the Students’ Union and the University to improve the student experience.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Reps for life
From 2014-15, Course Reps are elected for the duration of their course unless: • They resign.
• They miss two meetings in a row and are therefore considered to have resigned.
• Their course mates call for an election.
How to be an effective Course Representative
What are you expected to do?
• Course Representative • Senior Course Representative • School Representative
How to be an effective Course Representative
What should you not deal with?
Pass it on…
When students recognise you as a source of support they are likely to come you with more personal problems. Remember you are not a councillor nor an advisor, so please pass it on!
You can point students in the direction of the Students’ Union Academic Advice service, the University’s Advice and Counselling, and Disability and Dyslexia services, or Nightline (for problems that arise outside of 9am to 5pm).
If you are unsure, just ask a member of University staff or someone in the Students’ Union and we can help.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Who are you accountable to?
As an elected representative you are accountable to certain stakeholders.
Task (discuss in small groups) Who do you think you are accountable to?
Some of the people you are accountable to…
Students on your course!
The University, your faculty, your department and your course.
The Students’ Union.
The committees you sit on.
Other Course Reps.
Future students (you pave the way for them!)
How to be an effective Course Representative
What are the benefits for you?
The opportunity to volunteer
– volunteer agreement
Looks good on your CV and enhances your employability Great opportunity to develop and demonstrate new skills You get to meet new people from across the University Receive recognition at the end of the year at the Students’ Union Education Awards
How to be an effective Course Representative
Volunteer agreement
• What we expect from you • What you can expect from us
How to be an effective Course Representative
Education Awards
What are they?
The Education Awards are to recognise Course Reps and University staff.
When are they?
Monday 23 March 2015 Drapers Hall, London
How to be an effective Course Representative
What skills will you develop?
Task
In small groups discuss and draw a symbolic ‘Perfect Course Rep’ which demonstrates the skills you will be developing over the year.
It doesn’t need to be a work of art…
One example could be they have big ears as you will need to be good at listening (but please, no Teletubbies!)
How to be an effective Course Representative
What skills will you develop?
Skills Checklist
Leadership Interpersonal Listening Speaking Problem solving Presentation Negotiation Team-working Time management
How to be an effective Course Representative
How can you use these skills after University?
Influencing, negotiation and leadership skills
Gained in Staff-Student Liaison Committee meetings. The ability to influence decisions and negotiate effectively will help you when you are applying for jobs after university.
Presentation and case-making skills
The ability to explain things and put forward a clear argument will help you in job interviews and in employment.
Transferable skills (employability)
Being able to listen, communicate effectively, organise and manage your time and work with various groups are skills that you can use in any work environment. These are often raised in interview questions.
How to be an effective Course Representative
QM Skills Award
• Introduced last year, the QM Skills Award is currently being reviewed. • However, all Course Reps are automatically registered for the award. • To receive the award, Reps need to attend at least two further training sessions (in addition to ECR) and clock up 30 hours of related work across the year.
• Reps should keep a reflective record of their activities (training will be given in 30 minute drop-in sessions) and produce a written report at the end of the year. • This is in addition to the Course Rep Awards.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Meetings with your School
Staff Student Liaison Committee (SSLCs) meeting.
• SSLCs are a meeting of staff and Course Reps in your school or department. • SSLCs are formal meetings and are part of the University’s quality assurance process.
• They are used to inform, discuss and receive feedback on the student learning experience (other issues can be raised elsewhere e.g. SU).
• Each SSLC has a Chair and Secretary. • There should be an agenda, minutes, actions & matters arising. • You are a full member of the SSLC and can ask for items to be put on the agenda.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Meetings with your School
SSLCs aren't everything
If issues arise between SSLC meetings, you do not need to wait until the next SSLC. You can always contact the relevant staff member directly, or seek advice from the SSLC Chair or Secretary.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Meetings with your School
Task
Split into three groups and think about what you should do… Group 1 – Before a meeting Group 2 – During a meeting Group 3 – After a meeting
How to be an effective Course Representative
Meetings with your School
Before a meeting
Read minutes of previous meeting and check actions Consult with students on issues and gather evidence Prepare arguments and offer solutions Consult with other Reps Put items on the agenda (more effective than an ambush!)
During a meeting
Take notes Mention positives as well as negatives Support each other
After a meeting
Feedback to students and SU Monitor follow-up actions (including your own!)
How to be an effective Course Representative
Meetings with your School
Just complaining won’t always help...
http://spmcrector.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/monday-funnies_19.html
How to be an effective Course Representative
Negotiation
You are not always going to agree with everyone so you may need to negotiate.
Top tips to negotiation
Remember there are always at least two sides to every disagreement, find out what they think before the meeting.
Make your argument evidence based.
Provide options, in case you don’t get your first choice.
Listen carefully and show respect to the other argument.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Gathering evidence
Why and how should you gather evidence?
Simple ways to gather evidence…
Ask for a couple of minutes in a lecture.
Create a survey.
Hold a meeting.
Send a group email.
Set up a facebook group.
Noticeboards and newsletters.
Informal discussions before or after class.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Problem tree analysis
Helps to identify the root causes of a problem and not the symptoms, ensuring that you offer possible solutions which address the cause rather than the effects.
How to be an effective Course Representative
The student learning experience
Categorised by the NSS, the learning experience could be broken down into: Teaching Academic support Assessment and feedback Learning experience Personal development Organisation and management Learning resources
How to be an effective Course Representative
What information is already available?
National Student Survey
The National Student Survey provides us with a wealth of evidence about the student learning experience. If you would like more information on an issue, contact the Union and we will help find evidence to back up your argument. Being
evidence-based
is vital as it means your argument will stand up better.
http://unistats.direct.gov.uk
How to be an effective Course Representative
Change Makers Report
How to be an effective Course Representative
QM Student Survey
How to be an effective Course Representative
The student learning experience
Task
Think of one positive and one negative thing about your course for each area and write them down on the task sheet.
Knowing your own opinion will help you when you’re canvassing your course mates for their opinions.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Meetings with the Students’ Union
Faculty Forums
The Students’ Union will host a forum for each faculty in the first and second semester. These dates will be circulated soon.
Socials
Some meetings with the Students’ Union are fun!
We will be running a couple of Course Rep socials this year to give you the chance to meet other Course Reps from around the University.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Resources
How to be an effective Course Representative
Resources
New for 2014-15
• Individual Course Rep pages –
coming soon!
How to be an effective Course Representative
Aims and objectives
Explore the role of a Course Rep Identify skills used and developed by Course Reps Identify ways of gathering student opinion and evidence Discuss the student learning experience Discuss general meeting practice
QMUL Says…
The purpose of student-staff committees is to ensure that there is an effective channel for formal communication between students and staff in each school or institute, through which students can reflect and give feedback on their programme of study as an integral part of QM's systems and procedures for assuring academic standards and enhancing the student learning experience. The minutes of individual School and Institutes are uploaded to the ARCS website:
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/QMIntranet/quality assurance/sslc/2013-14/index.html
SSLC Guidance
QMUL Model Agenda Template
QMUL Model Minutes Template
Minutes Template Contd…
SSLC Guidance
http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/docs/quality assurance/sslc/115210.pdf
Quality Assurance Handbook 2013-14 / Updated & approved Senate 03/10/13 V1.1
How to be an effective Course Representative
Further Training
Further training planned for 2014-15 includes: • Using NSS Results • Effective Meetings • Public Speaking • Creating a Survey • Chairing Meetings Let us know if you would like us to provide anything else.
How to be an effective Course Representative
Questions
Do you have any questions?
Training evaluation and feedback
We hope you found today useful. However, we are always keen to improve so please fill out a training evaluation form and hand it back before leaving.