1. Context
“There is increasing recognition that universities must demonstrate how they prepare graduates for the employment market” (Tholen, 2014) – Alignment to TEF
“Employment prospects are frequently cited by students as a foremost motivation for pursuing a university degree course” (Wharton et al 2014)
“Despite emphasis on developing employability skills research continues to suggest that graduates are not considered to have the requisite skills for the modern workplace” (Cumming 2010)
Student Feedback – Pointed towards meaningful outcomes for their careers – Why do we need to do X.
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2. Auntenticity ?
Shaffer, D.W. and Resnick, M., " Thick" Authenticity: New Media and Authentic Learning. Journal of interactive learning research, 10(2), p.195.
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3. Typology Real Environment Placement Opportunities Individual Projects
The Craft of Filmmaking
Simulated Problem
Real Problem
CLE; Team Project etc.
Web Security
Non-Real Environment 3

4. Benefits / Issues
Substantial positives linked to Student Experience and networking potentials
Assessment – Balancing Real World Perspectives against Academic Outcomes (Feedback Provision)
Delivery – Expectations
Intellectual Property concerns - (Student / Staff input)
Complexity – Business Problem Scope
Risk – Connections / Safety
Assessment – Balancing Real World Perspectives against Academic Outcomes (Feedback Provision)
Delivery – Expectations
Intellectual Property concerns - (Student / Staff input)
Complexity – Business Problem Scope
Risk – Connections / Safety 4

5. Small Changes
Movement from assessment, which is positioned ‘outside’ to assessment ‘inside’ the sector.
Craft of Filmmaking (Movement from delivering a film, to delivering a film for a film contest).
Movement from problems positioned ‘outside’ to problems ‘inside’ the sector.
Essay on Web Security to a consultant report on the security of a particular organisation.
Engagement of outside influences
Not just as guests in sessions, but as drivers of assessment.
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6. References
Cumming, J (2010) Contextualised performance: Reframing the skills debate in research education. Studies in Higher Education vol 1, no 15, iFirstArticle
Tholen, G (2014) Graduate employability and educational context: a comparison between Great Britain and the Netherlands, British Educational Research Journal vol 40, no 1, pp 1- 17
Wharton, C Y Goodwin, L J Cameron, A J (2014) Living up to our students’ expectations: Using student voices to influence the way academics think about their undergraduates learning and their own teaching. International Journal of Higher Education 3(4): URL:
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