LEARNER VOICE AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN WALES LEARNER

LEARNER VOICE AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN WALES

LEARNER VOICE SURVEY IN WALES Between 2013 and 2015 the Learner Voice Wales survey was commissioned by the Welsh Government as part of the Quality and Effectiveness Framework for post-16 learning. The survey was carried out for learners in further education (FE), work-based learning (WBL), adult community learning (ACL) and Welsh for Adults (Wf. A) Learners completed the survey online or on paper, and were asked a series of questions about: o the information, advice and support provided to them; o provider responsiveness, o learning environment and student well-being; o the quality of teaching and training; o overall satisfaction; o what they like best about their provider; o and what they think could be improved

LEARNER VOICE SURVEY IN WALES Over 185, 000 learners took part in the survey between 2013 -2015. 85% of learners responding to the core survey rated their overall experience as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. There has been a positive improvement in overall experience across all sectors, most notably among further education full and part-time learners. Work-based and adult community learners continue to be the most positive groups of learners. 98% of learners responding to the easy read survey rated their overall experience as ‘very good’ or ‘quite good’.

LEARNER VOICE AS PART OF ANNUAL SELF-ASSESSMENT AND INSPECTION All providers funded by Welsh Government are required to submit an annual self-assessment report (SAR) and Quality Development Plan (QDP) Providers should take action to address all of the weaknesses identified in the self-assessment. The QDP should identify priorities for improvement and give a clear indication of how the provider intends to improve quality and raise standards year-on-year. WBL consortia should submit a single SAR covering their membership. The SAR should reflect the full range of delivery by geographical area and sector, but must evaluate the overall effectiveness of leadership and management for the consortium as a whole.

LEARNER VOICE AS PART OF ANNUAL SELF-ASSESSMENT For 2018/19 providers should carry out their self-assessment based on the Estyn Common Inspection Framework: o Standards o Well being and attitudes to learning o Teaching and Learning Experience o Care Support and Guidance o Leadership and Management

HOW ARE LEARNERS INVOLVED IN DESIGNING AND DELIVERING WBL All FE and WBL providers carry out learner voice surveys on a number of occasions during the academic year. The results of these surveys, and actions taken as a result, feed into the SAR and QDP. All aspects of learner satisfaction with their programme are surveyed. Learner Voice surveys are just one way of capturing data.

LEARNER VOICE BENEFITS Improved completion, attainment and success rates Learners become more independent Better quality of information about the learner’s perspective which can be used to drive professional and organisational development. Better sources of evidence on which to base self-evaluation Better decisions about resource allocation and investment needs Learners feel more involved A broader input into the development of policies, processes and procedures which will improve the experience of future learners Learners recognise the college as a good place to learn

DIOLCH THANK YOU FOR LISTENING - phil. whitney@colegaucymru. ac. uk - visit website and the report on Learner Voice in Wales from WISE (Wales Initiative for Student Engagement) http: //wisewales. org. uk/resources/pathways-to-partnership -for-fe/