Cairns, J., Hervey, T.K. orcid.org/0000-0002-8310-9022 and Johnson, O. (2018) Neither ‘bolt-on’ nor ‘built-in’ : benefits and challenges of developing an integrated skills curriculum through a partnership model. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, 13 (2018). ISSN 1759-667X
Abstract
All Universities are seeking to develop their students’ skills. Typically, they deploy either or both an independent ‘skills’ offering, separate from disciplinary learning (‘bolt-on’); and/or individual academic staff embedding skills assessment in some modules (‘built-in’). What are the drawbacks of ‘bolt-on’ and ‘built-in’? To what extent does a partnership model, involving an integrated and longitudinal skills curriculum, resolve those drawbacks? Under what circumstances is this possible? What are the main barriers? We present a case study of a major curriculum development in the School of Law at the University of Sheffield to argue that the benefits of partnership probably outweigh either ‘bolt-on’ or ‘built-in’. However, some of the enablers and inhibitors associated with contemporary HE may suggest that ‘built-in’ is more viable. This is not primarily because of the difficulties of engaging academic disciplinary specialists; rather it is better explained by structural and institutional rigidities. We therefore recommend courage to take a long view, to aim high, and to celebrate small successes.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2018 The Authors and the Association for Learning Development in Higher Education. |
Keywords: | Skills; Employability; Student partnership; Reflective practice |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > School of Law (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 09 Mar 2018 14:51 |
Last Modified: | 06 Dec 2019 11:25 |
Published Version: | https://journal.aldinhe.ac.uk/index.php/jldhe/arti... |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Association for Learning Development in Higher Education |
Refereed: | Yes |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:128390 |