Cookie Cutting or Gaining a Broader Perspective? Embedding Graduate Attributes in the Curriculum

Swingler, M., Hendry, G., Rolinska, A., Cleland Woods, H. and Bohan, J. (2018) Cookie Cutting or Gaining a Broader Perspective? Embedding Graduate Attributes in the Curriculum. BPS DART-P Conference, Birmingham, UK, 06-07 Jun 2018.

Abstract

Objectives: 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 selfefficacy 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: 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.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Keywords: Graduate, attributes, employability, skills.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bohan, Dr Jason and Hendry, Dr Gillian and Swingler, Dr Maxine and Rolinska, Ms Anna and Cleland Woods, Heather
• Authors: Swingler, M., Hendry, G., Rolinska, A., Cleland Woods, H., and Bohan, J.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Modern Languages and Cultures > Language Centre; College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the Authors

Related URLs

• Organisation

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
		Where am I now and where do I want to be? A road map for Graduate Attributes	Maxine Swingler	LTDF	UNSPECIFIED