In these complex and challenging times, students, teachers and employers are all interested in the development of generic abilities as these typically make the difference between good and indifferent employees, successful and unsuccessful learners. This book explains why generic capacities have become so important and argues that the process of acquiring them is both lifelong and developmental.

Graduate Attributes in Higher Education illuminates the value of graduate attributes for students, graduates and lecturers in higher education. A coherent, intelligent, subtle and important enhancement to the field, this text guides readers through a theoretical and historical analysis of graduate attributes, using interdisciplinary and interprofessional lenses. This unique approach offers pertinent coverage of a wider range of graduate attributes than one usually sees, generating multiple perspectives and discourses that have implications for both theory and practice. Through an open and exploratory analysis, this text asks questions such as the following: • Are programmes of study which claim ‘postgraduate’ attributes providing something further, deeper or enhanced in comparison, or just more of the same? • Should we be developing continuing professional development attributes for our professional learning programmes of study, or are attributes of this nature established at the undergraduate level? • How can we embed graduate attributes in curricula in a wide range of subject discipline-specific and interdisciplinary ways? • In a culture of lifelong learning and a cross-disciplinary changing global market, are attributes simply a starting point – a launch pad for future and ongoing development required for a world of increasing complexity? Clearly structured and offering a mix of case study and theoretical frameworks to explore each GA, practical guidance is offered at the end of each chapter on how to embed the relevant graduate attribute whilst providing well-researched theoretical underpinning. The varied methods applied and methodological attitudes espoused will prove inclusive to a wide range of readers. Bringing together analysis of specific case studies from a wide range of professional and discipline-specific contexts, Graduate Attributes in Higher Education will be a valuable text for educators and professionals focused on curriculum development and professional learning.

This book explores the efficacy of game-based learning to develop university students’ skills and competencies. While writing on game-based learning has previously emphasised the use of games developed specifically for educational purposes, this book fills an important gap in the literature by focusing on commercial games such as World of Warcraft and Minecraft. Underpinned by robust empirical evidence, the author demonstrates that the current negative perception of video games is ill-informed, and in fact these games can be important tools to develop graduate skills related to employability. Speaking to very current concerns about the employability of higher education graduates and the skills that university is intended to develop, this book also explores the attitudes to game-based learning as expressed by instructors, students and game developers.

Universities are expected to produce employable graduates. In Education for Employability, experts explore critical questions in the employability agenda: Who sets the standards and expectations of employability? How do students monitor their own employability? How can universities design whole curricula and university environments that promote employability? What teaching and learning strategies facilitate the development of employability? Responsibility for developing and sustaining employability lies with a broad coalition of the individual students, the university, alumni, the professions and industry and is accomplished through the intended curriculum as well as co-curricular, extra-curricular and supra-curricular activities, events and learning opportunities.

The worldwide marketization of higher education has resulted in a growing pressure on universities’ accountability, particularly in terms of more tangible learning outcomes directly related to paying higher tuition fees. Covering globally diverse perspectives, Innovate Higher Education to Enhance Graduate Employability uses a range of international case studies to help practitioners and researchers review, reflect on and refresh their ability to bridge the gap between university and industry. A timely response to the need to improve the quality of higher education in order to build work readiness in students, this book: Adds a critical, global dimension to this topical area in higher education as well as society’s concerns Provides a number of practice-based case studies on how universities can transform their programmes to enhance graduate employability Acts as a source of practical suggestions for how to improve students' sufficient employability including their skills, knowledge and attitudes Provides insights from theory, practices and policy perspectives. A crucial read for anyone looking to engage with the global issue of graduate employability, Innovate Higher Education to Enhance Graduate Employability covers both theoretical frameworks and practical models through an exploration of how universities around the world are using innovative techniques to enhance employability.

Work-Based Learning

This book discusses the topic of graduate employability from the premise that in this era of ‘massification,’ economic austerity, and political uncertainties, higher education (HE) no longer guarantees a clear ‘work place advantage.’ Divided into three sections, the book offers theoretical and philosophical discourses on the ‘HE quandary,’ whilst taking into account – and critiquing - political, temporal, and national contexts. It culminates in an investigation into specific discipline areas. It offers insights into the way that institutions, decision-makers, academics, and professional support staff can work together towards ensuring that our graduates are able to cope with the varied demands and challenges of modern job markets. It harnesses arguments and reflections on the breadth and depth of the functions of HE, such as social transformation, promoting principles of social justice, and providing opportunities. It grounds these in a triadic model for enhancing student engagement and holistic learning, namely, the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural aspects. As an anthology, it is forward-gazing in terms of the sustainability debate, whilst still offering evidence-based, research-grounded, practical suggestions to readers looking for tips and tools of the trade.

This text addresses both the issues and practicalities of key skills in higher education. It discusses the issues relating to the introduction of key skills, drawing on both the arguments and theory of why key skills should (or should not) be introduced. Case study material is included.

Anyone with a responsibility for curriculum development or policy making within higher education who wants to advance learning and promote employability amongst their students will find this book absolutely essential reading.