The presentation by Dr Viktoria Mileva highlighted strategies for enhancing student experiences within the Psychology Division at the University of Stirling. Key initiatives included:
- Psychology Communities Program: This aimed to foster a sense of belonging and community among first-year students. The program paired them with personal tutors and upper-year mentors in structured sessions covering topics like time management, well-being, and academic skills. However, high attrition rates and mentor engagement challenges were noted, suggesting areas for improvement.
- Clarifying Assessments: Viktoria introduced the AI in Assessment Scale, outlining permissible levels of AI use for academic tasks. This initiative aimed to address confusion among students and staff about AI’s role in assessments, providing clear guidelines and structured documentation.
- Skills Development: A framework for defining and communicating skills gained during psychology studies was developed. This included categories such as knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, ethical application, and collaboration. The initiative, supported by faculty input and student feedback, aimed to help students articulate their competencies for employability.
Viktoria shared tips like using FAQs, feedback during lectures, and co-created learning agreements to improve clarity and engagement in academic settings. The efforts highlighted a focus on fostering community, enhancing clarity in assessments, and preparing students for academic and professional success. Future iterations will refine these programs based on feedback and observed outcomes.
[This summary was generated by AI and checked for accuracy and edited by a human.]
Abstract
In this presentation, I will highlight three interconnected initiatives that I have been part of designing and implementing, with the aim of enhancing the student experience within the University of Stirling Psychology division. I will also discuss successes and setbacks in their implementation.
- The Psychology Communities programme: This initiative focuses on building strong connections between 1st-year students, their personal tutors, and each other. By fostering a sense of belonging and confidence, we aim to create a supportive community during the crucial early stages of university life.
- AI in Assessment (AIAS) scale: Implemented throughout the Faculty of Natural Sciences at University of Stirling, the AIAS scale assigns specific levels of allowable AI use for each assessment. This helps students clearly understand expectations while also reducing cases of academic misconduct, benefiting both students and lecturers.
- Clarifying key skills development: Drawing on BPS and QAA guidelines, this initiative helps students track the development of their skills throughout the four years of their Psychology programme. By making explicit what practical skills they acquire each year, students can see how these skills build toward becoming psychologically literate graduates, well-prepared for future employment.
About the speaker
Dr Viktoria Mileva (she/her) is a Teaching and Scholarship Lecturer in the Division of Psychology at the University of Stirling, where she coordinates the 3rd-year Individual Differences module and teach across all levels, including postgraduate. In addition, she leads the Psychology Communities programme, which promotes 1st year student engagement and belongingness. As Deputy Lead Scholar of the Faculty of Natural Science’s (FNS) Community of Scholars group, she works closely with all T&S staff within the faculty to share best practice and improve the student experience. She also serves on the FNS AI Oversight Committee and is a founding member of the Psychology Undergraduate Programme Working Group.
