Students’ perceptions of their learning of graduate attributes at the University of the Western Cape
Date
2019-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT :Student voices are notably absent from academic discourse on graduate attributes (GAs) as
such attributes are often constructed and conceptualised from the viewpoint of educational
institutions, government and industry. The overarching aim of the study was to gain deeper
insight into how students understand graduate attributes to be developed and learnt within the
institutional context of one higher education institution, namely the University of the Western
Cape (UWC). With students increasingly being challenged to assume greater responsibility for
their own growth and development, it is imperative that they be brought into the discussion
around graduate attributes.
This study involved participants registered as UWC students and involved in the programme
offerings of the Leadership and Social Responsibility (LSR) office in 2016. Within an
interpretive knowledge position, an exploratory institutional case study design was utilised.
Qualitative data were generated through the use of two focus group interviews, one individual
interview as well as photo elicitation activities over a period of three weeks.
The main study findings indicated that students hold some measure of understanding of what
graduate attributes are, how they acquire these attributes and that they are important in the
context of increasing students’ employability. It also emerged that the staff at the institution
play a vital role in how graduate attributes are learnt and developed. There appears to be an
expressed need that graduate attributes should be embedded within all facets of the institution
and, importantly, students’ own self-interest has a crucial role within how graduate attributes
are taken up.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen Afrikaanse opsomming geskikbaar nie.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen Afrikaanse opsomming geskikbaar nie.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2019.
Keywords
Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Western Cape, College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa, Leadership in students, College graduates -- Characteristics, UCTD, Social responsibility in students