Community of Practice in a seminar setting: An action research approach to graduate employability and skills in higher education

Bird, Sara

Abstract

United Kingdom higher education institutions play a valuable role in preparing students for graduate roles through the development of employability skills and preparedness for employment. This study explores the impact of a transitional Community of Practice within a first-year, marketing communications degree module to develop pedagogic practice for the development of undergraduates’ employability. The research questions critically evaluate the development of students’, employers’ and the academic lead’s identification, prioritisation and understanding of graduate skills and perceptions of employability, and the impact of group-decision making on skills selection and pedagogic approaches. A theoretical lens of Communities of Practice is used, and the benefits and limitations of this approach, including cocreation, are evaluated. This research addresses macro-level policy priorities to reduce gaps between employers’ expectations and graduates’ readiness for graduate roles by considering micro-level seminar-based interventions in higher education settings, particularly in the context of widening participation.
Using an interpretivist approach, the study employed an action research methodology over three cycles of research and four data collection points throughout a two-semester module. The research participants comprised the first-year students studying the module and two employers who contributed to group discussions. Transcripts and artefacts from individual interviews and group discussions, students’ reflective portfolios and the researcher’s field notes were analysed using thematic analysis.
The intervention successfully engaged first-year students and fostered positive attitudes towards graduate roles and improved understandings of employability and skills. A legitimate transitional Community of Practice was established as students engaged in legitimate peripheral participation regarding both professional practice and professional and adulthood identity transitions. Employers’ and the academic lead’s deepened understandings of employability and learning approaches impacted their own practice, and limitations of cocreation for pedagogic approaches were identified. This research established that ongoing employer engagement in seminar settings can provide a scalable approach to employability development in Higher Education.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 31, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 9, 2023
• Keywords: Employability; Action Research; Community of Practice; Skills; Higher Education
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10395446
• Award Date: Oct 9, 2023