UTLC Project SELLL Prof Jenny Richards and

Jane Nolan MBE

National research shows that students of English are not able to articulate their transferable skills

Schools of English need to articulate more clearly the way that the education they offer prepares people for a wide range of careers and emphasize the value of English in employment terms. (Martin and Gawthrope,2004; Brennan and Williams, 2003; Knight and Yorke, 2004)

My own PhD research is confirming this.

Background to the project

Key issues with language and meaning – employability can be perceived as being a separate “toolkit” and a separate discourse to that of the discipline.

By defining employability as being a critical reflective learner, able to learn continuously in a fast changing world (Harvey et al 1997) it can be seen as something that can come from the discipline.

A language which resonates for the School, and could become part of its worlds of meaning, will be explored through the project.

Language and Meaning

Using problem based learning in the setting of an interactive workshop

Creative solutions to complex, real life problems linked to societal challenge theme of social renewal as a way of exploring and articulating transferable skills and attributes

Spanning boundaries Standing back from episodic and modular learning to

reflect on transferable skills and attributes developed by immersion in the discipline

Creating a framework

Proactively engaging students and staff in the design of the experiential learning opportunities and developing a discourse for employability in the School

A language which resonates for SELLL Involving staff, alumni, key partners in the University

and the region including arts and cultures organisations

Museums, theatres, creative writers, film makers, alumni, social enterprises, employers

Evaluation by students and staff

Involving key partners

Thank you – any questions?