Abstract:

This abstract presents initial experiences and results from the BediRA university development project, focused on exploring the concept of "Students as Partners" in Scholarships of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) (Braxton et al. 2018). The aim of this project is to investigate the benefits and challenges of engaging students as active collaborators and co-creators in the teaching and learning process.

The traditional roles of students and instructors have been evolving in higher education. The Students as Partners (SaP) approach (Weimann-Sandig 2023; Cook-Sather et al.2014) emphasizes the importance of involving students as equal partners in the design, implementation, and evaluation of teaching and learning initiatives. This approach recognizes the valuable contributions students can make to their own education and to the improvement of the overall learning experience.

The paper addresses the following questions:
1. What are the perceived benefits of engaging students as partners in SoTL initiatives?
2. How does the SaP approach impact student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes when combined with SoTL-projects?
3. How can these SoTL projects be evaluated, i.e. which measurement criteria are useful in order to promote continuous structural changes at universities while still giving teaching staff the necessary freedom?

The findings from our project will contribute to the existing body of literature on SoTL and provide insights into the effectiveness and feasibility of the Students as Partners approach. Our discussions will be valuable for educators, administrators, and policymakers interested in enhancing student engagement and promoting student-centered learning environments. Ultimately, this paper aims to foster a culture of collaboration and co-creation in higher education, benefiting both students and instructors alike.

Keywords:

Scholarships of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), Students as Partners (SaP), Higher Education, student participation.