Acknowledging the legacy of the original model, Student as Producer (SaP) 2.0 has evolved to realign with Higher Education in a post-pandemic world.
The SaP 2.0 model maintains relevance, value and adaptability for emerging trends in the educational landscape, such as increasing diversification of the student body, digital augmentation of learning (including the rise of AI), and the importance of a sense of belonging.
It represents a commitment to partnership and co-creation in higher education. By empowering students and fostering collaboration, it aims to transform the learning experience and build a stronger academic community at University of Lincoln.
This model not only enhances student engagement but also prepares students for future challenges by making them active participants in their education.
Definition of SaP 2.0 [click to expand]
Student as Producer 2.0: Students and staff working as partners to co-create knowledge, enhance the student experience through collaboration, active learning, and meaningful engagement.
Key values and principles of SaP 2.0 [click to expand]
The below table outlines the four key values of Student as Producer (SaP) 2.0
| Collaboration | Supporting collaborative projects between students and staff. Facilitating opportunities for partnerships between students and staff. Identifying the valued role of staff working together with students. |
| Discovery/Active Learning | Enabling students to be active learners through participation in projects. Learning through discovery and enquiry. Empowering students to take responsibility for their learning experience. |
| Engagement | Providing accessible opportunities for engagement within and outside of the curriculum. Empowering students and staff together. Developing a reciprocal, shared learning experience for students and staff. Building a greater sense of belonging. |
| Production | Institutionally embedding processes for co-production of knowledge. Ensuring students graduate with evidence of putting knowledge in practice. |
Core themes of Student as Producer 2.0 [click to expand]
SaP 2.0 is structured around four core themes, each contributing to the overall learning experience:
- Curriculum: Integrating SaP principles at all levels of education.
- Research: Engaging students in research projects as partners.
- Decision-Making: Involving students in institutional processes.
- Extra-Curricular Opportunities: Offering engagement opportunities beyond the classroom.
These four key elements were integral to the original model and have been streamlined for SaP 2.0. They will facilitate opportunities for collaboration with students, as co-creators in a model embedded at all stages across the Institution, which will proactively embed collaborative practice between staff and students.
SaP 2.0 and Sense of Belonging [click to expand]
The core values and principles of Student as Producer 2.0 enable students to be active participants in the creation of knowledge, rather than passive consumers. This approach fosters a deeper sense of belonging by positioning students as co-creators within their academic communities. When students are given opportunities to contribute meaningfully through active learning, research, decision making and collaborative projects, they feel valued and recognised, which strengthens their connection to the institution.
While the concept of belonging is complex, fluid, and multifaceted, individuals foster a sense of belonging through connections, engagement, inclusion, community, and diversity. Student as Producer 2.0 supports these dimensions by encouraging students to bring their perspectives, experiences, and creativity into academic work. This not only enhances the student experience but also develops a shared sense of purpose between students and staff. As students see their work influencing real-world outcomes or contributing to institutional knowledge, their confidence and commitment grow.
Student as Producer 2.0 encourages and supports interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement, which can further reinforce a student’s sense of place within both the university and the wider society. In essence, Student as Producer 2.0 transforms the educational experience into a participatory, empowering journey – one that nurtures belonging through meaningful involvement and shared ownership of learning.
Implementation and Impact [click to expand]
SaP 2.0 aims to create a holistic learning environment where students are integral to the academic project. It emphasises the importance of student engagement in teaching, research, and decision-making processes. By fostering a sense of belonging and community, SaP 2.0 seeks to enhance the overall student experience at University of Lincoln.
This resource provides guidance and resources to support implementation and evaluation.
