Scaffolding experiential learning for students
According to recent job market trends, academic knowledge alone does not fully prepare students to succeed in today’s workplace. From internships to campus leadership roles, employers increasingly value applied and hands-on learning when making hiring decisions. But how can higher education institutions make sure that students are not only building skills but also articulate them effectively to potential employers?
During a THE webinar, held in partnership with PebblePad, experts from the US higher education sector came together to discuss some of the practical ways that universities can help students build valuable skills.
“We are living in a different economy than we were 15 years ago,” said Andrew Potter, director of university experiential learning at the University of Georgia. “The reason why tools such as PebblePad are important is because we are thinking about rebuilding the infrastructure inside that four-year college experience. Technical and interpersonal skills [previously] came from random acts of career preparation.”
Higher education institutions that are trying to close skills gaps need tools that can model and validate skills development. PebblePad is an ePortfolio, workbook and assessment platform that helps students document their learning, demonstrate skills and capture their academic journey through reflective tasks. It helps universities provide scaffolding around the specific skills students want to build.
“We have embedded PebblePad and ePortfolio throughout our essential education curriculum,” said Maria Bergstrom, associate dean for undergraduate education at the College of Sciences and Arts at Michigan Technological University. “Every course requires students to put something into their asset collection and reflect on what they learned through that. Our goal is to help students build a file cabinet of things they have done.”
When prioritising certain skills, students should be mindful of whether they are durable and likely to remain relevant in the years to come. Here, AI represents an obvious challenge, with employers keen to future-proof their talent pipelines in the face of rapid technological change.
“Employers are living in the midst of disruption. They are closer to the disruption and to understanding where skills need to pivot,” said Potter. In contrast, curriculum changes are often slower. “Higher education and industry have to be working much closer together because the disruption is so fast.”
Even with this pace of change, core academic values such as collaboration, critical thinking and the ability to learn are likely to remain important. Institutions must ensure these skills are equitably developed in all students to help them become competitive professionals and better individuals and citizens.
“The process of reflection and making connections across environments helps students articulate what they know,” said Gail Ring, director of service and learning partnerships and head of customer success at PebblePad. “If they develop the habit of reflection, that is a lifelong skill that helps them grow and stretch their brains.”
PebblePad is an edtech platform that is designed to be intuitive, inclusive and grounded in real-world learning. It is about supporting students all the way, from enrolment to graduation and beyond – in the classroom, the workplace and the wider world.
The panel:
- Maria Bergstrom, associate dean for undergraduate education, College of Sciences and Arts, Michigan Technological University
- Ashley Mowreader, freelance journalist (chair)
- Andrew Potter, director of university experiential learning, University of Georgia
- Gail Ring, director of service and learning partnerships and head of customer success, PebblePad
Find out more about PebblePad.
