Conference presentation
Students as partners and leaders: Showcasing the growth of student-centred learning communities through a collaborative drop-in initiative in the Health discipline
Learning & Teaching Week, 2017 (Sippy Downs, Australia, 25-Sep-2017–27-Sep-2017)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2017
Abstract
Recent discourse about engaging students in regional universities calls for more collaboration in terms of adopting a holistic approach to course delivery and support (Office of Learning and Teaching, 2015). A meta-analysis of contemporary engagement theories by Kahu (2013) highlights the importance for institutions to stimulate students' interest in their program of study, as well as provide purposeful opportunities to connect with their peers. This presentation discusses a collaborative support model, currently offered to Health students. This partnership is founded on collaborating with an established student group, the Student Midwives and Nursing Association (SMANA), who volunteer their time to mentor and support their peers. Twice a week, in an informal space, Health students are invited to "drop-in" for feedback and support from a range of staff and are encouraged to generate ideas, ask questions and compare ideas with peers. This dynamic space gives witness to a learning marketplace, one reliant on the productive partnerships established between Academic Skills, the SMANA student group, the Health Liaison Librarian, and a range of Academics, all actively providing guidance, skill, moral support and discussion around health related assessments. A similar award winning support model has successfully operated in FABL since 2008 (Einfalt & Turley, 2009). However, what makes this adaption more holistic, and ultimately effective, is the inspiring role the student group plays in both recruiting and connecting students and staff within this space. Earlier research, investigating the growth of faculty specific collaborative drop-ins at USC, demonstrates the involvement of academic educators as key in order to maximize the success of such drop-in initiatives (Einfalt & Turley, 2013). This presentation will showcase how this partnership with students co-creates the student experience with learners in a bid to build stronger learning communities. We will share our vision of establishing student support that aims beyond collaboration, to bemore inclusive, positive and responsive to emerging need
Details
- Title
- Students as partners and leaders: Showcasing the growth of student-centred learning communities through a collaborative drop-in initiative in the Health discipline
- Authors
- Johanna T Einfalt (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringDevashrii Dobe (Author)
- Conference details
- Learning & Teaching Week, 2017 (Sippy Downs, Australia, 25-Sep-2017–27-Sep-2017)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2017
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2017 The Authors.
- Organisation Unit
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Tertiary Access - Legacy; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451444702621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
Metrics
191 Record Views