Emerging themes - Learner engagement interim report 2023

Emerging themes - Learner engagement interim report 2023 - 24

Members of our learner engagement team recently met with a range of Next Gen: HN learners for the first round of engagement for 2023 - 24. We took the same approach as the previous year, to ensure learners' views are captured and fed into the overall evaluation of the Next Gen: HN project. Engagement activity significantly increased this year due to the new NextGen: HND qualifications that entered pilot delivery in 2023.

A total of 60 focus groups, from 14 pilot centres were conducted within the first round of engagement for session 2023 – 24, which was concluded on 6 December 2023. Focus groups discussed various topics, with particular focus around meta-skills, learning for sustainability, assessment, grading, progression, and communication. In addition, we conducted a survey to ensure learner participation which was completed by 595 students.

We were able to identify general emerging themes around the Next Gen: HN feature, which included:

The design and layout of NextGen: HN qualifications allow for a smooth transition from previous study or employment.
The availability of meta-skills resources had a positive impact on delivery, with a notable improvement in learners’ level of meta-skills awareness in session 2023 – 24.
Learners are more satisfied this year with the level of information received regarding their courses.
Learners’ awareness of the grading model was varied across subjects. NextGen: HND learners showed a better understanding of grading criteria.
The coverage of Learning for Sustainability continues to be limited across most piloted subjects.
Learners recognise the importance and value of sustainability in their courses.

Overall, learners are enjoying their NextGen: HN courses and are recognising significant changes from previous learning experiences, particularly in the practical elements. The evaluation activity provided an initial insight into learners' views on NextGen: HN features. The second round of engagement for 2023 –34 is scheduled for April - May 2024.