Seven questions with Abbie King

14 October 2015

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This week we put seven questions to Abbie King, UCL ChangeMakers Manager based in the UCL Centre for Advancing Teaching and Learning.

Tell us more about UCL ChangeMakers.

UCL ChangeMakers is an initiative that supports students who want to run their own research projects focusing on improving, enhancing or innovating the learning experience at UCL.

The ethos behind UCL ChangeMakers is that students, as critical and creative individuals, have a valuable contribution to make to UCL. As experts in their own learning experience, students can propose changes that would have the greatest impact on their learning and as a university we should be acting upon that.

UCL ChangeMakers offers central support, project funding (of approx. £500) and payment to students wishing to undertake this work (£150 for students taking on a lead role; £50 for support roles).

Initial ideas for projects are open now with a deadline of 5 November. We are offering both Q&A sessions and 1-to-1 meetings if you want to discuss your idea before then.

What makes it so important (and interesting)?

For me the exciting thing about UCL ChangeMakers is that UCL is saying to its students that it values them, that it wants to support their ideas and that it will take them seriously.

A university that offers this sort of opportunity to its students because it genuinely believes they need to be involved in its development, is one that wants its students to reach their aspirations through challenging, authentic research opportunities.

UCL ChangeMakers isn't about accepting the education you receive here but actively contributing to it. I think UCL ChangeMakers is offering an alternative role to 'students as consumers' and moves them to being equal partners and co-producers.

What has been a personal highlight so far?

For me, it's the 1-to-1 meetings that I have throughout the year with ChangeMakers, the students who undertake UCL ChangeMakers projects.

Hearing their ideas, being inspired by the enthusiasm, creativity and integrity they bring the scheme has been amazing. Seeing their ideas come to fruition and how that has changed the way they felt about themselves and what they are able to achieve has been incredible.

I can be a bit of a perfectionist at times and there have been moments where I have doubted myself but hearing students talk about what they have got out of being involved has given me so much confidence in the importance of this initiative. I am looking forward to what 2015/16 brings.

Explain some of the challenges involved in working on this project.

It is juggling research against all your other obligations; personal, professional and academic. I know this from experience as someone working full time, with a pretty active social life and doing my MEd with the Open University. You just have to be focused.

I find the best way of tackling research is to break it down into manageable chunks and having a plan for when you are going to do them, factoring in other obligations. It not only makes the workload feel more manageable but also ticking off things you have done - no matter how small they seem - helps you feel like you are in control.

What advice would you give to an undergraduate student hoping to lead a research project with UCL ChangeMakers?

Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to show that you are passionate about something. I think if you can push yourself out of your comfort zone and tackle all those challenges you would normally shy away from because they feel so alien gives you the confidence approach research.

Doing research can feel unfamiliar and difficult and rarely goes exactly how you expect it to. Going out your comfort zone also gets you noticed and so you are more likely to get places. If you are the person that plays it safe you risk staying in the background. However if you are the person that goes that bit further then you will be noticed for it and so many other opportunities will open up to you.

Any idea what's next for UCL ChangeMakers?

Well, hopefully there is no end in sight for UCL ChangeMakers! We are gradually growing the initiative to engage students in university life in ways where meaningful contributions can be made.

This year we are hoping to launch UCL ChangeMakers Scholars who will have a role improving assessment and feedback in their departments, as we know this is an area that needs development. We are also able to fund even more projects this year which is great.

Describe your perfect evening (or weekend) after a long week.

This might sound a bit old-lady like but probably a glass of red wine, snuggled under a blanket with my husband doing my crocheting and watching a box set, probably 'Supernatural' or 'Sons of Anarchy'.

I am very enthusiastic about crocheting and always have at least 4 projects on the go at once! I love to feel cosy so the blanket is a must, even in summer.