Teaching Matters

10 - Patricia Bromley

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Teaching Matters 2016 | Presentation Details | 7 DecemberDec 2016

Title

Are you developing Capability in your Graduates?

Author(s)

Patricia Bromley*, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health
Sharon Fraser, School of Education, Faculty of Education
Doug Colbeck, Tasmanian Institute of Learning and Teaching (TILT), Curriculum & Quality, Division of the DVC (Students and Education)

Subtheme

Work Integrated Learning

Presentation Type

World Café

Room

Academy Gallery

Time

13.20-14.20

Abstract
The University of Tasmania Curriculum 2025 White Paper sets out the vision for UTAS education over the next 10 years. A key focus in the White Paper is developing employable graduates who have developed:
“capabilities and agency needed to take on a dynamic and uncertain future” (University of Tasmania 2016, p. 81).
The paper appreciates that we live in rapidly changing world and that change in the workplace is inevitable.
A 15-year-old today can expect to have upwards of 17 jobs in five different industries over the course of their working life (Owen 2016). Higher Education is required to prepare graduates who are well equipped to work in complex and changing environments. 
For most of the time, many of us work in familiar environments, using familiar solutions to solve familiar problems. Stephenson (1998) called this ‘Position Y’, and to perform well in this position requires degrees of technical aptitude and knowledge. However new graduates are required to work with less familiarity, in new work contexts, problem solving unfamiliar problems. Stephenson called this ‘Position Z’.
What distinguishes the Capable graduate, is the confidence that they will perform just as well in Position Z as in Position Y.
Although Capability is quite easily recognised, it is difficult to define and therefore difficult to develop a Capability curriculum.
Do you recognise capability in your discipline or profession? Are your students capable upon graduation? In the World Café you will consider what it means to be capable in your discipline, and the implications this has for your curriculum.
References
Owen, J 2016, 'Young People don't have the skills for future jobs', Sydney Morning Herald.
Stephenson, J 1998, 'The Concept of Capability and its Importance in Higher education', in J Stephenson & M Yorke (eds), Capability and Quality in Higher Education. , Kogan Page, London, pp. 1-13.
University of Tasmania 2016, The University of Tasmania Curriculum 2025: White Paper, University of Tasmania.
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