NextGen: HN learner evaluation - 2023-24 report
We have run learner engagement and research activity for two consecutive years. We concluded our 2023-24 activity in June 2024. SQA’s Learner Engagement team met with NextGen: HN learners to hear their views and experiences of their NextGen: HN qualifications. They conducted a total of 118 focus groups across round one and two. Focus groups discussed various topics including meta-skills, learning for sustainability, assessment, grading, and progression. Furthermore, focus group discussions have been complemented with learner surveys, which have provided additional quantitative and qualitative data.
We were able to gather important feedback about the key features in NextGen: HN qualifications in round 2 of learner engagement, which included:
• Learners are enjoying their NextGen: HN qualifications, with 56% of learners rating their experience as good or excellent.
• There is an increased awareness and understanding of meta-skills and learners have been monitoring their progress at intervals. However, varied delivery methods within centres have an impact on learners’ experiences with meta-skills.
• There has been a significant increase in the understanding of meta-skills importance for future study or employment.
• Assessment load continues to be a concern for learners. Many learners stated the assessment load had been light in the first semester and feel assessments could have been spread out better.
• There has been an increase in awareness of the grading model and grades and the new grading model has been welcomed by most learners.
• Learners have an increased awareness of Learning for Sustainability (LfS) and understand the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals across most qualifications. However, the coverage continued to be limited in many NextGen: HNCs. It should be noted that LfS was not mandatory in HNCs in 2023-24.
• Learners continued to express concerns about the understanding of their NextGen: HN qualification for articulation or employment.
There is notable improvement from one year to the next in areas such as the understanding of meta-skills; self-monitoring of learners’ progress; and their awareness of LfS and the SDGs. These are all encouraging signs that qualifications are becoming more established and the NextGen: HN aims are being met. Also, we are already taking action to address ongoing challenges to ensure the successful implementation of NextGen: HN qualifications.