sparqs : Driving student engagement
The new sparqs Strategic Plan for 2013-2018 can be viewed here.
sparqs is about to publish two major reports into the successes and future challenges of student engagement – one for the college sector and one for the university sector. The Executive Summaries can be viewed here and the full reports will be uploaded shortly.
The nationally agreed resource 'A Student Engagement Framework for Scotland' can be viewed here.
Developing your Course Rep Training
This event, taking place on 15th May 2013, is aimed at staff in both colleges and universities who are responsible for managing Course Rep Training. The day will look at how you can further develop your materials so they are tailored to your students' needs as well as the institution/association's priorities.
This event is now fully booked. Materials from the day will be available in due course.
Course Rep Training
We are now taking course rep training bookings for 2012-13.
For more info and to book training, please click here
Enhancement Theme Support Network
In partnership with QAA Scotland, sparqs held an event on 5th March at The University of Stirling.
For further information and resources from previous workshops, click here
That's Quality
sparqs ran their annual That’s Quality event aimed at higher education student associations on Thursday the 30th of August 2012. The event aims to support attendees in engaging with the quality enhancement agenda.
The workbook from this event is available here
Recognising and Accrediting the Work of Course Reps Using HEAR
sparqs held an event on 11th July 2012 aimed at Quality and Registry staff, students' association staff and student officers responsible for education. The event explored the Higher Education Achievement Record and how it can enhance a course reps' experience.
Materials from this event are available here
For details of any upcoming events, please visit our Events page.
QUEST for Quality by Students
sparqs is involved in a consortium led by ESU (European Students' Union) which is looking at creating a students' concept of the quality of higher education. The project will involve the ESU Quality Assurance Experts' Pool who will look at different quality mechanisms across Europe.
In November 2012 sparqs attended the QUEST conference in Malta which aimed to communicate the projects aim of engaging students across Europe in the quality of their education. Delegates from over 40 countries were welcomed by the President of Malta, George Abela and attended some thought provoking sessions on the EU Commission’s U-Mulitrank system and the QUEST Research findings.
Click here for more information on the project
Resource Library
sparqs is developing a Library to contain examples of Peer Practice to assist other institutions in developing effective student engagement practices.
Click here to contribute your practices or for more information
Developing Themes
sparqs provides customised, one-to-one support, advice and training to institutions and students' associations through its Consultancy. Through this work, strong themes continue to emerge where ongoing support can be provided in all areas of the engagement of learners.
Click here to visit the consultancy pages
Departmental Representation
In conjunction with other practitioners, sparqs have recently developed a departmental representation toolkit. The tookit aims to develop effective student engagement at the departmental level.
