Posted on by Cristina Devecchi New Projects

More than grades: how to add ‘value’ to a university experience

The issue of how to value the impact that universities have on students is a major bone of contention. Mainly measured in terms of ‘value for money’, a number of methods and a plethora of metrics are available, but each one gives us only one aspect of a much more complicated picture. In this blog some of such ways of valuing are reviewed so to argue that a more comprehensive value system can be put in place to the benefit of students, universities and the wider community.

Just future earnings?

The value and currency of a university degree has been under question for a while and more so since  the rise in tuition fees. Common ways to put a ‘price tag’ on the future gains of a university degree is mainly calculated through the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey. The survey focuses on the number of students gaining graduate employment six months from graduation. While future earnings can be a measure of the impact of gaining a degree, there are a number of weakness in just relying on them. The first is that gaining employment within such a short time is dependent upon the wider economic context. The second is that there are well-established patterns which favour higher initial earning for students from some universities. Third, the survey does not take into account the choices that individuals make some of whom might decide not to seek graduate employment as a career progression. Fourth, there is a possible mismatch between how some types of job, mainly in education and social care and mainly carried out by women, are labelled as graduate employment and the knowledge and expertise they actually require. 

Just satisfaction?

Another common and no way less contentious way to measure the benefits of a university experience is through the National Student Survey. The survey, composed of 27 questions, is designed to elicit students’ views on the teaching and learning they experienced (http://www.thestudentsurvey.com/content/NSS2017_Core_Questionnaire.pdf). Yet, this covers only one aspect of a university experience and does not provide us with evidence of how the experience has had an impact on the student while at university or beyond. Another limitation of the survey is that ‘satisfaction’ is a at best a proxy and at worst time bound. While this argument does not diminish the argument about satisfaction and personal experience, it challenges the limited set of evidence such a survey can elicit. More importantly, the survey can be of used to rank universities, but how does it enable the individual student to show the full range of experiences she or she was involved in and their benefits?

The points above pose a question of how to ‘measure’ the value of a university degree beyond the seemingly tangible future earnings or reductive satisfaction surveys.

The comprehensive university experience: making the intangible count

There is clearly more to a university experience than the grades one gains and the content one learns. There is more to how a university experience impacts on graduates than just future earnings. As valuable as these two criteria are, they do not capture a number of so far intangible aspects of a university experience. For example, we value voluntary work, or support for the internal and external community, or simply being supportive of colleagues and fellow students. We also value the effort we put in achieving what is important to us. We also value showing the hard and soft employability skills we learn and apply. Yet, although valuable, such activities are intangible and therefore difficult to capture in a CV, at best, and lost, at worst. There are of course ways to make such experiences tangible, such as awards, certificates, prizes. But do they actually make what we value and the value we can bring visible, tangible, concrete?

One metric to capture value/s

Capturing the intangible contributions we make and the way in which being at university contributes to adding value requires to think differently. It requires to think differently about what is of value, how to assess it, and how to trace the way in which value was co-created through the many experiences to be had while at university. Combining both hard metrics and the Personal Value metrics, the CCEG Blockchain UN Lab is developing a method to make visible the transaction and worth of intangible and non-financial values using a unique combination of Blockchain Technology and the Social Earnings Ratio. The aim is that of developing objectively derived indicators and metrics to combine a variety of experiences, contributions and gains to show how being at university contributed to personal growth while also contributing to the growth and wellbeing of the university and wider communities. Through the Blockchain technology, the CCEG Blockchain UN Lab is seeking to make visible the journey through which that growth has occurred so to create a personalised passport as a testimony of value added, value for money and, most importatnly, value creation.

 

 

1,178 thoughts on “More than grades: how to add ‘value’ to a university experience”

  3. I am Shoumail, hello there Shashkay is an online website that provides fashion Eyeglasses for men website. If you want good quality glasses, visit our website or get more information. Eyeglasses for men

  5. Adding value to a university experience is crucial for both students and institutions, and one effective way to enhance that experience is through the use of a custom Zoom app. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the way students and faculty interact, collaborate, and learn. With a custom zoom app tailored to the specific needs of a university, students can enjoy a more personalized and engaging learning environment.

  13. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back sometime soon. for more information click here
    토토사이트

  14. The information you are providing that is really good. Thank for making and spending your precious time for this useful information. Thanks again and keep it up.
    토토

  15. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back sometime soon
    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find

    텍사스홀덤

  18. Eyeglasses or “chashmay” are optical devices worn on the face to correct vision. They come in various styles, materials, and prescriptions, serving both as functional aids and fashionable accessories.glasses shop near me

  19. Incredible blog post! I was captivated from the very beginning and couldn’t stop reading until the end. The way you expressed your thoughts and ideas was both engaging and inspiring. Your writing style is so smooth and effortless, making it a joy to follow along. I appreciate how well-researched and informative the content is. You provided valuable insights and supported your points with evidence and examples, which really helped me understand the topic in-depth. It’s clear that you put a lot of effort into gathering relevant information and presenting it in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. I gratefully acknowledge the way you used pertinent examples and offered useful guidance that can be contributed into perspective in the real world than previously believed. Sustain your splendid effort to accomplish!
    Abogado de Violencia Doméstica de Nueva Jersey

  21. Your writing is engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read. I particularly liked how you provided concrete examples to illustrate your points, which helped me better understand the concepts you were discussing. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and expertise.Dismiss Order Of Protection New Jersey

  22. I am satisfied that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  24. The latest political science assignment help in Canada offers comprehensive support to students in understanding political theories, analyzing global events, and crafting well-researched assignments. A valuable resource for political science students seeking academic excellence and a deeper understanding of political systems.

  27. The area of the north is good and marked for the future times. The challenges of the lake aerators are pushed for the turns. Joy is fit for the marked items for the host of the turns for the candidates.

  29. Are you struggling to get sure shot online law assignment help so that you are able to do fast submission to meet deadlines. Students always have ambiguous situations in law assignments as what to include and what not be. In this scenario taking help from our law assignment helpers is a great choice. We created exclusive law assignment help service in UK for those pursuing online learning programmed in law, including professionals and students. Getting law assignment help from greatassignmenthelp.com is the ideal choice for you. Place your order now to receive high-quality support from us.

  30. If you’re looking for finance assignment help in the UAE, you’re in the right place. Finance assignments can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of financial concepts and analysis. Our finance assignment help services provide expert guidance and support to help you tackle complex topics such as financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, and more. Our team of experienced finance professionals can assist you in understanding the assignment requirements, conducting research, developing financial models, and crafting well-structured and accurate solutions. With our finance assignment help, you can enhance your understanding and excel in your finance assignments.

  37. Assignment Help Malaysia provides expert academic assistance to students in Malaysia. Our team of experienced professionals offers customized assignment solutions across various subjects. We ensure high-quality work, on-time delivery, and confidentiality. Get the support you need to excel in your studies.

  38. “Are you looking to Pay Someone to Do My Online Class ? Then the assignment help USA is the best for you. They have 5000+ Subject Matter Experts in-house. They have a qualified team of specialists from almost all subjects. So, you can freely go to the experts and have guidance for your subject assignments anytime to get top grades without taking tension.”

  41. Studyhelpinghand aim is to help the students with quality content so that they can enhance their knowledge to become a life-long learner

  43. Our Club Gamers Club Online is the perfect place to hone your skills and have fun. Enjoy a wide variety of games, slots, and sports betting with amazing bonuses and promotions. Play now for your chance to win big!

  44. Experience the thrill of a real with Slot Machine Fans, the most realistic slot machine simulator on the market. Enjoy endless hours of fun with HD graphics, engaging sound effects, and huge jackpots. Play now and win big!

  45. Join the Crypto Club Online and gain access to the latest news and insights on cryptocurrencies. Get the most up to date information, analysis, and advice from top industry experts. Invest with confidence and make smarter decisions with our comprehensive resources.

  47. Get the best odds and betting insights with our Betting Teacher Online platform. Enjoy a wide range of sports and markets, plus in-play betting, cash out options, and more. Sign up now for a secure and hassle-free betting experience!

  48. Get in the game with Betting Studio Online from top bookmakers. Enjoy competitive odds, exciting sports markets and special offers, all from the comfort of your own home. Bet on your favorite teams and experience the thrill of winning with online betting.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *