Rationale

The rationales for this initiative were as follows:-

• Consistent with the overall aim of the class, to seek to apply theoretical knowledge , - based on an understanding of the relevant literature ,- to appropriate concrete ‘real world’ examples;
• To facilitate active learning, encouarging encouraging students to undertake their a novel investigation based upon questions asked of relevant stakeholders;
• To develop an innovatory form of assigmentassignment, complementary to the other assigments assignments used in the class (group report and presentation, essay, final exam);
• To develop student centred learning.

Successes

The student evaluation forms provide strong evidence of the success of he the class and, in particular, the validity and appropriateness of the overall objective of the class. To give one example, 96% of students agreed/strongly agreed with the statement ‘I would recommend this course to others’.

A sample of the relevant comments from the students indicates students’ appreciation of the pedagogical approach, with a number of specific comments expressing support for the session and assignment in question.

• I enjoyed the enthusiasm from Phil, it was also good to have a variation of guest lecturers to help keep me engaged.
• It was kept interesting with different people, talks and tasks instead of just boring lectures.
• Phil, he is enthusiastic about the class and helpful with all assignments.

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• His lectures are very structured and easy to relate to.

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• The group union rep meeting was very insightful.
• The combination of theory and guest lectures with practice.

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• The materials provided throughout were fantastic and invaluable.
• Lecturer was very enthusiastic.

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• Plenty of practical examples were applied to the theory.
• Informative trade union panel.
• Informative and comprehensive understanding of current employment trends.
• Enjoyed the group work and speed dating.

Lessons Learnt

The importance of trial and error and being able to make adjustments according to students’ needs during the session. In this case, it was necessary to shift from the speed dating format to a more conventional question and answer panel so that students were able to to learn from the interaction between reps/officers and their fellow students.

Challenges

Perhaps the biggest challenge was re-assuring students in advance that this exercise would stretch them positively but would not prove over-demanding of them. This trepidation was exacerbated by the fact that this was an assessed assigmentassignment. Once the session was underway under way students’ fears were allayed. Thus, it was important for the lecturer to clearly communicate in advance what the session and the assignent assignment would consist of.

Scalability

There were 32 students in the class, There were no scalability issues although it was necessary, as indicated above, to switch to a more conventional panel format whilst maximising the level of student participation.

Suggestions for Transferability

There is no qustion that no question that the introduction of the ‘real world’ into the classroom is of enormous benefit for students. The testimony of informed stakeholders with a wealth of expereince is of experience is an invaluable learning resource, particularly when it is allied to the onus being placed upon students to inquire and inevtigateand investigate.

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