The Student and Teacher Educational Partnership (STEP) Model in Higher Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 3:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: From Partnership to Practice: RPPs, Pathways, and Program Innovation

Abstract

This paper describes the first iteration of a co-design program, the Student-Teacher Education Partnership (STEP), for higher education courses across various disciplines. Faculty collaborators were matched with student collaborators to work as equal partners to design a course element to enhance student engagement. Post-conceptualization phase semantic network analysis findings revealed that student collaborators adopted roles as student representatives, course collaborators, and course content designers. Student collaborators also reported perspective shifts, empowerment through amplification of student voices, and advancements in pedagogical knowledge. Faculty collaborators experienced increased focus on the student experience, greater student collaboration, and engagement due to prioritizing student voices. The study provides initial support for the use of co-design in higher education, centering student voices and enhancing student engagement.

Authors

• Wajiha Masroor, Texas A&M University

• Mahjabin Chowdhury, Texas A&M University

• Kati I. Stoddard, Texas A&M University