I was given the opportunity to take part in a feasibility study for an innovative parternship between the university and a community organisation. This partnership is designed to enable a mutually beneficial learning environment for members of the community group and undergraduates taking part in a specific module. After the initial feasibility study I was keen to explore the ways in which the feasibility project could be integrated into module design for the students. I anticipated that through being part of the stage I would be able gain understanding about how to integrate community partnerships into module design, and to encounter the processes through which modules are approved and how the information is prepared for the students.
Speculative application
I had been involved in the earlier feasibility work so requesting a placement to stay involved in the project seemed a sensible way to build on the earlier relationship.
My main responsibilities fell within two parts, design and preparation of module information (including module handbook, approval form, assessment tasks and schedule), and liaising with the partner organisation to ensure that the collaboration could continue. These responsibilities were undertaken in conjunction with other members of the module team.
This placement has no typical day, as such. There were key deadlines throughout the project, so I planned my work to fit around the requirements of my degree programme whilst ensuring the deadlines were met. There was also a need for an inherently flexible approach as the collaboration with a third party required busy and quiet periods of time as the relationship evolved.
I have loved working on my PREP placement as it has tested my ability to work with structures inside and beyond the university. I have learned far more than I previously knew about module design and approval within the university. Working with a third party organisation in the development of teaching material is intriguing and inspiring. While this is not my module, I hope to use this placement as encouragement to consider how to build similar partnerships in future modules for which I do hold responsibility. It is great fun and really rewarding to do something so different to my previous GTA and guest lecturer roles.
The biggest challenge has been pacing the work. I initially anticipated the work could be completed over eight weeks, but I overlooked the importance of progressing at a pace set by our partners. As such my involvement in the placement lasted a lot longer than initially anticipated even though the total hours worked did not change.
This placement has had a significant influence on my future career plans. It has instilled in me a deeper commitment to higher education, whilst also encouraging me to consider the relationship between the academy and the broader community contexts in which it is located.
Since completing this placement I have secured a role within the Inclusive Curriculum Project, putting into practice much of what I learned in my PREP placement. The familiarity it has given me for university systems is invaluable, and I am enjoying learning more about ways to make the university a more inclusive space - including through enabling partnerships with local community organisations.
The PREP scheme has been great for me. I came with an initial idea, which I explored with my supervisors, in order to develop a distinct, carefully constructed project. It has been mutually beneficial - I have learned lots from my colleagues and been able to support them in some of the more administrative aspects of module design which I would otherwise not get to see. I am enormously grateful to both the PREP team and my colleagues for making this placement happen. Thank you.
Form completed: 08 Mar 2019