Bridging gaps in student engagement: Innovative data governance in Language Centre administration

In the realm of university language centres, fostering deep and meaningful engagement with students necessitates robust and effective governance of data pertaining to both students and staff. However, the current practices of managing and communicating such critical information are fraught with complexity and fragmentation, leading to inefficiencies that hinder the goal of enhanced student engagement. This paper begins with a comprehensive descriptive analysis of the prevailing workflows for handling data and information about courses and learning events within a typical language centre. It identifies key areas where processes are disjointed or ineffective, setting the stage for a discussion on potential improvements.

Subsequently, we propose a series of holistic process enhancements coupled with innovative technical solutions aimed at streamlining data governance. We delve into the challenges that may arise in the process of implementing these improvements, such as resistance to change, technological limitations, and the need for staff training. Strategies for overcoming these obstacles are also explored, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder buy-in and the adoption of flexible, scalable technologies. Ultimately, this paper argues that by addressing the current shortcomings in data governance, language centres can significantly boost student engagement, leading to more enriching and effective language learning experiences.