The Plymouth Graduate Award Scheme.

David Croot

Lead, Informal Learning Strategy

Affiliation: University of Plymouth

Address: University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon. PL4 8AA.

Contact: dcroot@plymouth.ac.uk

Key words: Award. Recognition of Extra-curricular learning. Experiential learning.

Abstract

The University of Plymouth is in the final stages of establishing a graduate award scheme which will be implemented in September 2010. The Award, which is a joint venture between the University and the Students Union, aims to be inclusive: providing opportunity for all students who want to participate to achieve the Award. The scheme will recognise experiential learning achievements which are grounded in extra-curricular activities from 3 out of 5 sections: Enterprise, Working life, Volunteering, Cultural and Social awareness, Supporting the University Community. The experiential learning will be preceded and followed by workshops which scaffold the learning opportunities. The learning will be evidenced by a portfolio which is created within the University e-portfolio system and submitted for evaluation via the e-portfolio. The Award will be made on satisfactory demonstration of learning achievements and clear evidence of the commitment to the learning opportunities. The majority of students will take at least one academic year to complete the Award, and normally 18 months will be needed.