SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE I can work effectively on my own but I can also work well in a team. Jane Stapleford Leeds Metropolitan University November 11 th 2005

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE I organise my time better now. Outline of the research Two main discoveries Responses to the research findings through modifications to the curriculum

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE A life-building experience. It has helped me with my confidence and really changed me as a person. Researcher -Dawn Leggott Focus Course - BA(Hons) Professional Language Studies Participants Data Collection Methods Findings

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE SkillPerceived as developed ( Year 4) Considered useful for work (Year 4) Considered useful for work (Year 5) Time Management65%69%100% Self Awareness62% 100% Language learning strategies 57%50%100% Organisation and planning42%54%100% Critical thinking and analysis 27%46%86% Self-confidence39% 100% Self-responsibility65%50%100% Decision making39%46%100% Problem solving34%42%71%

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE The year abroad is different to previous years. I have learnt new skills that couldnt be learnt at home. Maturity Employability/key transferable skills Cross-cultural awareness Language skills and language learning strategies

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE The skills you learn…can be transferred to every walk of life… These findings have informed tutors in the language department about how to integrate and embed skills development into the curriculum –Recognition of the students lack of awareness of the skills we intended them to develop –Realisation that many students are unaware of employers skills requirements –Skills development needs to be more explicit and embedded in the mainstream curriculum.

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE Incorporate work-related learning into the curriculum Work with academic staff to: Plan and develop PDP and employability inputs Staff development workshops and resources Career development sessions for students

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE Harvey, L, and Green, D 1994 Employer Satisfaction Birmingham: Quality in Higher Education Project, University of Central England

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE That students recognise transferability. The skills developed by students are not themselves transferable, recognising their transferability and being able to apply a skill to a new context is a higher level capability in itself.

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE Explicit links to employability / what employers want Input in Year 2 Sufficient preparation for work experience / Year Abroad Career management skills Reflection and development of reflection skills. Sufficient support and feedback

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE Personal development planning & reflection Employability skills Career planning/ career management skills Enterprise/ entrepreneurship Work experience/ work-related learning Volunteering/ community partnership activities Cross-cultural awareness Ethics and sustainable development Globalisation in the workplace

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE Level 1 – Linguistic and Personal Skills Awareness of own strengths and weaknesses, skills analysis, learning styles, study skills, reflection, evaluation of their own learning, volunteering, organisation and planning, presentation skills, group working, development of skills of reflection, planning for future learning, portfolio development Level 2 - Observing Culture What employers want, self awareness of career interests, enterprise, cross cultural awareness, ethics, global awareness, opportunity awareness, presentation skills, CV development (in a foreign language), reflection, preparation for work experience – all in preparation for Year Abroad. Research Skills. Enhancing portfolio, action planning.

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE Level 3 - (Year 4) Work Related Project – Full Module Reflections on Year Abroad. Presentation skills, project management, research, team working, communication skills, time management, objective setting and strategy, entrepreneurship, global awareness, reflection on their own experiences and performance, enhancing CV, job searching, applications and selection processes, postgraduate opportunities. Portfolio Keep workbook during Year Abroad. Assessment of Year 2 PDP and Year Abroad at end of Level 3. Level 3 - (Year 3) Year Abroad

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE Study Skills and Assessment Research Skills Teamwork/Group Skills Time Management Employability IT Skills Personal Development Planning

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE Now on WEB CT Extensive links to skills for learning - Personal Development - Career Management Skills - Team Work - Ethics and Employability - Global Awareness

SCHOOL OF L ANGUAGES /E MPLOYABILITY OFFICE Embedding Learning Objects in Web CT Effective CVs Materials for developing the skills of reflection What is reflection? Reflection toolkit Glossary