Road Map to Success – Evaluating the Enhancement Themes

As we approach 20 years of the Scottish Quality Enhancement Framework, we are using this milestone to undertake a deep and wide-ranging evaluation of one of its five key elements - the Enhancement Themes.

This significant and ambitious sector-wide activity will help us explore how, and to what extent, the Themes have impacted on the Scottish student experience, and in what ways this work has influenced enhancement approaches globally. 

With a deeper understanding of what works well and a focus on developing evaluation capability, we have a great opportunity to make a step change in Scotland’s enhancement approach and support the Scottish sector in addressing future challenges. 

Leading the evaluation are Professor Stella Jones-Devitt (Staffordshire University) and Dr Liz Austen (Sheffield Hallam University). Stella and Liz will be working closely with sector colleagues and QAA Scotland on both the evaluation of 20 years of the Enhancement Themes and our 2020-23 Theme, Resilient Learning Communities.

Here’s what Professor Liz Barnes CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University, had to say about the institution’s involvement in this project:

‘Staffordshire University is delighted to be supporting this evaluation of QAA Scotland’s 20 years of Enhancement Theme work, especially given its strong emphasis on effective partnership working of students and staff in the sector. 

‘Being awarded this three-year evaluation research work, led by Professor Stella Jones-Devitt, Director of Staffordshire Centre of Learning and Pedagogic Practice, is real testament to the momentum that underpins the newly-formed Research Centre concerning the pursuit of effective evidence-informed practice, linked to improving social mobility.  

‘This evaluation will continue to build on the established work and outcomes, created in partnership with QAA Scotland, and will further cement the commitment by all involved to enhance student learning and overall experience.’

Further information on our progress with this new evaluation activity will be shared on our Enhancement Themes Evaluation webpage.