Learning from MODNet
Work Based Learning at Middlesex
• 1996 Middlesex was awarded a Queens
Anniversary Prize for “Excellence and
Innovation” for pioneering work based
learning.
• 2003 the UK Quality Assurance Agency
commended Middlesex for innovation
and rigor in the assessment of work
based learning.
• 2005 HEFCE awarded Middlesex a
Centre for Excellence in Teaching and
Learning in WBL.
• 2007 Institute for Work Based Learning
established
• 2009 HEFCE awarded Middlesex £8m
to establish the Middlesex
Organisational Development Network.
MODNet project objectives
•
•
The establishment of a provider network focused on organisational development
The establishment of Business Development and Marketing resource to promote
work based learning
•
The development of appropriate quality, infrastructure and financial frameworks
to support flexible work based provision
•
•
Further development of the University’s work based curriculum
Expansion of student numbers, especially through co-funded arrangements at
UG level
•
The use of accreditation of in-house training to develop sustainable business
relationships with employers
Slide 3
09/04/2015
The provider network
•
Strategic partners included Further Education Colleges and Private Training
Providers
•
•
Key role of accreditation in engaging private providers and their employer clients
Concept of a joint approach across all NQF levels had surface attraction but not
decisive
Slide 4
09/04/2015
Further development of WBL
Curriculum
•
•
•
•
Review of Work Based Learning Framework – focus on pan-University use
Approval of new Titles: Professional Practice in ….
A project driven approach to work based learning programmes
Generic work based learning progression from Fd or equivalent professional
qualifications
•
•
The combination of WBL project modules with subject modules
New work based learning provision examples:
Slide 5
•
•
MBA Shipping and Logistics - Lloyds Maritime
Fd Sports Development - Tottenham Hotspurs Foundation
09/04/2015
Business Development and
Marketing
•
•
Team established - between February and September 2009
Joint development events with business development teams in partner
organisations – over 300 new contacts made
•
•
Central employer enquiry line established
High profile events - Informatology Conference, Stock Exchange with Consalia,
London Chamber with Boris Johnson, Hendon employer event with Michael
Portillo, Joint Conference with CBI
•
Formal endorsement of Middlesex WBL approach by the London Chamber of
Commerce
Slide 6
09/04/2015
The development of systems
and infrastructure
•
•
•
•
Staffing resources to support project development
•
•
Institute for Work Based Learning staff
Work based learning staff within University Schools and central services
Student record system
•
Developed registration systems that meet the requirements of new approaches to work
based learning - eg employer cohorts
Customer Relationship Management system
•
Limited impact as did not achieve a whole university approach
Support for work based learning students
Slide 7
•
•
Further development of distance learning technologies
Identification and dissemination of best practice with Schools and strategic partners
09/04/2015
Working with Employers
• Impact of the recession on employers and on
the University
• Small awards eg University Cert, Dip,
Advanced Dip, PGCert more attractive than
full Hons or Masters degrees
• Co-funding not an attractive proposition
• Use of accreditation key to partnership
working
Slide 8
09/04/2015
Halifax Community Bank:
Journey in Practice
• Developing Professional Branch Management
Teams
• Accreditation of in-company training plus work
based project for University Advanced Diploma or
Postgraduate Certificate
• Sales up 9.8%, Customer Impact scores up 40%
• WBL project linked to faster improvement
Slide 9
09/04/2015
Halifax Community Bank:
Journey in Practice
• “JIP is the Jewel in the Crown for the Lloyds Bank
Group in Professionalising the retail banking
workforce” Peter Hallard, Group Learning Director
• “To gain a qualification from a University while
carrying out my day job is a fantastic opportunity”
Ian Grady, Branch Manager
• “Furthermore I have a business plan which really
fits my branch” Sandra Dixon, Branch Manager
Slide 10
09/04/2015
The Work Based Learning
proposition
• values the learning already held by the individual and their
organisation,
• enables the individual to plan their own programme,
• is flexible in delivery eg distance/ or in-company learning
programme,
• is flexible to meet individual/organisational needs,
• leads to internationally recognized higher education
qualifications.
Slide 11
09/04/2015
Work Based Learning
• focuses on the development, conduct and learning from work
based projects,
• aims to develop the individual as a more effective work
based learner,
• aims to contribute to the organisation through the creation of
new knowledge and the application of learning to achieve
organisational objectives.
Slide 12
09/04/2015
WBL suggests new kinds of
HE/Employer partnerships
• Beyond Joint design of programmes
• Combine individual learning and
organisational development
• Create strategic partnerships for knowledge
recognition, creation and use
Slide 13
09/04/2015
Linking WBL to the knowledge
requirements of employers
•
•
•
Focus on organisational objectives to ensure that
knowledge has a performative edge and is thus of value to
the organisation.
Develop strategies for working with tacit knowledge eg
focus reflexive practice to enhance individual knowledge
recognition, creation, dissemination and use.
Fully exploit the structural capital of partner organisations in
fostering knowledge recognition, dissemination, creation
and use and seek to enhance the structural capital of
organisations.
Slide 14
09/04/2015
Follow up reading
• Garnett J (2012), Authentic work integrated learning, in Hunt L, &
Chalmers D (eds), University teaching in focus: A learning-centred
approach, ACER Press: Melbourne.
• Costley C and Critten P (2012) The Business Value of Structured
Workplace Learning, Glocal Focus Special Supplement 6(1) 13-16
• Garnett J, Costley C and Workman B (eds) (2009) Work Based Learning:
Journeys to the core of Higher Education, London: Middlesex University
Press
• Higher Education Academy (2008) Work-based learning Workforce
development: connections, frameworks and processes, York: HEA
• Contact: J.Garnett@mdx.ac.uk
• Contact: C.Costley@mdx.ac.uk
Slide 15
09/04/2015