QAA Collaborative Enhancement Project highlights differing perceptions in quality of learning among students

A QAA-funded Collaborative Enhancement Project, led by the University of Portsmouth, has found that perceptions and preferences of teaching and learning over the past year varied considerably across students from different ethnic backgrounds.

The project was carried out in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, Solent University and the University of Nottingham. The findings were highlighted in a report which explores the differing perceptions of teaching and learning quality among undergraduate students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evidence was gathered through a survey instrument followed up by student focus groups. Overall findings suggest the importance of wellbeing and sense of belonging for the student community. Feeling like a member of a university community, making university friends and receiving adequate support for mental wellbeing were deemed important or very important by students.

From a learning perspective, recordings of teaching materials were thought to have been valuable or very valuable by the majority of students from each ethnic group; however, students found formal tasks and activities with other students to be less valuable to their experience.

From a disciplinary perspective, Health Science students reported a more positive experience than those from Other Sciences and Business Studies. Health Science also had the highest proportion of students who said they prefer online teaching. However, students in all three subject areas indicated that they preferred in-person teaching.

The researchers conclude the report saying:

‘While our results have provided fertile ground for a number of recommendations, our findings have been thought-provoking; they have raised more questions and identified further areas for research and exploration. Our hope is that by presenting our findings and highlighting some of the more surprising results, other institutions will realise the value of this type of research, and they will be encouraged to conduct similar research of their own.’

An executive summary and student evaluation are available on the Collaborative Enhancement Project page. A short and long version of the report and reflections from members of the research team are also available via the project team's website. In addition, QAA Members can access a template version of the survey tool used in the project via the Membership Resources site. Those from QAA Member institutions can sign up to access the site using our registration form.

Our Collaborative Enhancement Projects are funded by QAA Members in order to support the enhancement of the student learning experience in QAA Member institutions and across the higher education sector. To find out more about our Collaborative Enhancement Projects including our second round of funding, visit our website.