This book examines the tide of change facing higher education as it grapples with providing a more relevant and demonstrated value for its graduates entering the workplace. Based on their experience with the Business in Practice program they created, the authors share the rationale and practical approaches colleges and universities need to implement if they are to foster the development of a work-ready graduate. What sets the program apart are the two-credit courses crafted to take advantage of the unique knowledge and work experiences of industry professionals that complements our core curriculum. Utilizing experiential learning, the program is designed so that students can apply soft/smart skills in a progression that helps develop those capabilities that are beneficial for them and desired by employers. It is structured to bring internship-like experiences to campus, giving the vast majority of students a quality work-related experience that is impactful and relevant for today’s economy.
Author(s): Neil B. Niman, Jennifer R. Chagnon
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 231
City: London
Preface
Acknowledgments
Contents
List of Figures
Introduction
The Triple-Threat Graduate
Purposeful Work
Business in Practice
Moving the Conversation Forward
Where We End Up
References
Part I: The Tide of Change
Unrealized Opportunities
A Series of Unrealized Opportunities
Human Capabilities
Self-Discovery
Curriculum
Connections
Signals
Technology
A Way Forward
References
Human Capabilities
Work-Related Intelligences
Skills, Competencies, and Capabilities
Twenty-First-Century Skills
Storytelling: An Example
The Future of Work
Situational Awareness: An Example
References
Self-Discovery and Curriculum
Self-Discovery
General Education
Reimagining General Education
Key-Shaped Graduates
Experiential Learning
Cases
Simulations
Consulting Projects
Internships
Co-Op Programs
Apprenticeship Programs
Capabilities Across the Curriculum
References
Connections and Signals
Connections
Initiating Relationships
Specialized Programming
Signals
Alternative Credentials
Badging
e-Portfolios
A Communications Strategy
References
EdTech to the Rescue?
Human Capabilities
Self-Discovery
Curriculum
Connections
Signals
Is EdTech the Answer?
References
Part II: Capitalizing on the Unrealized Potential
Practice-Based Learning
ISA2
Informal
Situated
Active
Applied
The Power of Guided Experiences
Turning Skills Into Work-Ready Capabilities
Situational Awareness—Being Attentive to One’s Surroundings
Storytelling—Crafting a Compelling Narrative
Collaboration—Working Collectively to Advance a Shared Purpose
Initiative—Knowing When and How to Take Action
Adaptability—Responding to Changing Conditions and Circumstances
Business in Practice
The Role of Practice-Based Learning
References
Designing Learning Experiences
Designing an Experiential Narrative: The STAR2 Approach
Learning and Developmental Goals
Example 1: Technology Procurement
Example 2: Financial Narratives
Example 3: Business Model Innovation
Constructing the Learning Experience
Example 4: Immersive Executive Experiences
The Experience Arc
Example 5: Product Licensing
Week 1: Product Licensing
Week 2: Assessing Brand Readiness
Week 3: Crafting the Strategic Plan
Week 4: Critical Interdependencies within the Organization
Week 5: Key Attributes of a Prospective Partner
Week 6: Partner Prospecting: Approach and Timeline
Week 7: Ongoing Problem Management
References
Industry Professionals in the Classroom
Opportunities for Professionals in the Classroom
Recruiting Professionals
Working with Industry Professionals
Supporting the Learning Process
Creating Community
Active Learning and Encouraging Engagement
Minimum Viable Information
Guide Program
Complements Rather than Substitutes
References
A Practice-Based Journey
A Work-Ready Journey
Gaming the System: A Student-Centered Design Approach
The Best of All Possible Worlds
Elevated Experiences
Voice Z Digital
Creating a Complementary Curriculum
Realized Opportunities
References
Outcomes
Assessment Planning
Program Outcomes
Program Elements
Data and Methodology
Assessment Map
The Student Lens
The Working Professional Lens
The External Business Community Lens
Continuous Improvement
Assurance of Learning
References
Forces of Change
Pathways of Change
Seeds of Change
Dynamics of Change
All Aboard
Open Up the Curriculum
Craft Meaningful Experiences
Welcome Working Professionals on Campus
Create a Connected Community
Embrace Innovation
Agents of Change
References
Index
