Empowering Students to Shape Their Own Learning Journey
Engaging students in shaping their own learning experience is more than a trend; it is a powerful way to improve education. At Victoria University of Wellington, students and academics work together through the Ako in Action programme to design and refine course content. This partnership breaks down traditional barriers and creates a learning environment that is inclusive, dynamic, and responsive to student needs.
What Ako in Action Means for Teaching and Learning
Ako in Action is a unique approach where students and lecturers co-create aspects of teaching and learning. The goal is to promote active participation, engagement, and inclusiveness while encouraging reflection on teaching practices. This collaboration is tailored to each partnership, focusing on goals such as:
Bringing fresh perspectives to existing teaching methods
Designing or redesigning learning activities
Developing assessment materials that better reflect student needs
Each partnership usually lasts one trimester and pairs two students with an academic or a small team. Importantly, the students involved are not enrolled in the academic’s courses. This separation helps balance power dynamics and encourages honest, open conversations.
How Students Contribute to Course Content
Students bring firsthand experience and insight into what works and what doesn’t in their learning journey. Their involvement can take many forms:
Teaching observations: Students observe classes and provide feedback on teaching styles and engagement.
Consultations on course design: Students help academics rethink course structure, content, and assessment methods.
Co-creation of materials: Students collaborate in creating or revising learning resources to make them more relevant and accessible.
This process ensures that courses are not just designed for students but with them, making learning more meaningful.
Benefits for Academics and Students
For academics, Ako in Action offers a chance to step outside traditional teaching roles and connect with students in new ways. They gain insights into what motivates students, what challenges they face, and how to improve teaching effectiveness. This interaction helps break down hierarchies and fosters mutual respect.
Students, on the other hand, develop skills beyond their academic subjects. They learn about course design, gain confidence in expressing their views, and experience the value of collaboration. Many participants report that the programme changes their perspective on the relationship between students and lecturers.
Real Experiences from Ako in Action Participants
Feedback from those involved highlights the programme’s impact:
“Ako in Action creates moments for levity, joy, and impassioned discussion. We are reminded of why we went into tertiary education, either as a student or lecturer.”
“Ako in Action completely changed my perspective on the hierarchies I had built up in my head, that students and academics couldn’t relate to each other.”
These reflections show how the programme fosters a positive learning culture and strengthens the university community.
Practical Steps to Include Students in Course Design
Victoria University of Wellington’s approach offers a model that other institutions can follow:
Identify willing academics and students: Start with those interested in improving teaching and learning.
Set clear goals: Define what the partnership aims to achieve, whether it’s redesigning assessments or improving engagement.
Ensure separation from enrolled courses: This helps create a safe space for honest feedback.
Schedule regular meetings: Maintain ongoing dialogue throughout the trimester.
Reflect and adapt: Use feedback to make continuous improvements.
By following these steps, universities can create meaningful partnerships that benefit everyone involved.
Why Student Involvement Matters
Involving students in course content creation is not just about improving materials; it’s about respecting students as active participants in their education. This approach:
Encourages deeper engagement with learning
Builds a sense of ownership and responsibility
Helps identify and remove barriers to learning
Promotes inclusiveness by valuing diverse perspectives
At Victoria University of Wellington, this philosophy is at the heart of Ako in Action, showing how collaboration can transform education.
By inviting students to co-create course content, Victoria University of Wellington demonstrates a commitment to learning that is inclusive, reflective, and student-centered. This partnership model offers practical benefits and enriches the educational experience for both students and academics. Institutions looking to enhance their teaching and learning practices can learn from this example and build stronger, more responsive courses through genuine collaboration.
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