College leads the way with learning platform

DUMFRIES and Galloway College’s work in enhancing teaching and learning has become the blueprint for a new national professional learning programme.

The college’s HOW2 Platform has served as the inspiration for the College Development Network’s Elevate LT programme which provides lecturers with on-demand, evidence-based teaching techniques, allowing them to reflect on and adapt their practice efficiently amidst demanding schedules.

As a result student outcomes have improved steadily and consistently, with a ten per cent increase pushing DGC above the national sector average. Student satisfaction reached 97 per cent, and overall student retention improved by eight per cent.

The new Elevate LT programme was launched and rolled out to colleges across Scotland throughout the 2025–26 academic year. Douglas Dickson, above, principal and CEO at Dumfries and Galloway College, said: “We are delighted the College Development Network has recognised this the national launch of Elevate LT means that the successful methods we pioneered can now benefit lecturers and students across Scotland.”

A spokesperson for the College Development Network (CDN) added: “The exceptional results achieved by Dumfries and Galloway College provided compelling evidence for a national programme. Their work demonstrated a clear, effective pathway to enhancing teaching practice that leads to tangible improvements in student success and satisfaction. Elevate LT is designed to give every college in Scotland the opportunity to benefit from this proven model.”