Cookie cutting or gaining a broader perspective? embedding graduate attributes in the curriculum

Maxine Swingler, Gillian Hendry, Jason Bohan, Reddy Puligundla, Heather Clelland Woods

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation

    Abstract

    Objective/Purpose
    The aim of this project was to increase student awareness of graduate attributes (GAs) at an early stage in their undergraduate career by embedding graduate attribute reflection activities within Level 2 Psychology.

    Design
    Students reflected on how skills gained from their curricular and extra-curricular activities were linked to graduate attributes. Study 1 evaluated the impact of the reflection task by measuring self-efficacy in specific GAs. Study 2 used a mixed-methods design to explore student perspectives on the activities and their views on GAs.

    Methods
    Study 1: Participants were second year psychology undergraduates at the University of Glasgow (N=107). Self-efficacy in each of the dimensions of the University of Glasgow GAs Framework was measured before and after the reflection task, along with measures of self-efficacy in higher education and self-esteem.

    Study 2: Participants (N= 178) from the same cohort completed the Employability Experience Questionnaire followed by questions about the GAs reflection exercise and their intentions. These questions were discussed in detail in student led focus groups (N= 9).

    Results/Outcomes
    Study 1: Non Parametric analyses indicated that self-efficacy in specific GAs increased after the reflection exercises, and were positively correlated to H.E self-efficacy, and self-esteem.

    Study 2: Qualitative analysis elicited themes on the “Value of GAs”, “Practicalities”, and “Looking to the Future”.

    Conclusions
    Embedding a GAs reflection task within the psychology curriculum improved students’ self-efficacy, and motivated them to seek further opportunities. Limitations of the design, and implications for skills development in the psychology degree will be discussed.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages7-8
    Number of pages2
    Publication statusUnpublished - 6 Jun 2018
    EventDivision of Academics, Researchers & Teachers in Psychology Inaugural Conference - Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
    Duration: 6 Jun 20187 Jun 2018
    https://www.bps.org.uk/events/division-academics-researchers-and-teachers-psychology-inaugural-conference/registration

    Conference

    ConferenceDivision of Academics, Researchers & Teachers in Psychology Inaugural Conference
    Abbreviated titleDART-P Inaugural Conference
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityBirmingham
    Period6/06/187/06/18
    Internet address

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