Module
Handbook
MST2017
Graduate Employability Skills for
Marine Scientists
Module Leader
Dr Sara Marsham
School of Marine Science and Technology
Dove Marine Laboratory
Newcastle University
Cullercoats
North Shields
NE30 4PZ
e-mail: sara.marsham@ncl.ac.uk
Telephone: 0191 222 3056 (Dove) 0191 222 5868 (Campus)
Contents
1 Module Introduction
1.1 The Module
1.2 Training and Support
1.3 What are you required to do?
1.4 What are staff at the placement expected to do? (for information only)
1.5 What will University staff do?
1.6 Personal Development
1.7 Safeguarding and Child Protection
1.8 Tell us what you think
2 Your Placement
2.1 Preparing for Your Placement
2.2 Attending Your Placement
2.3 Academic Year Planner
3 Skills Development, Assessment and Feedback
3.1 Graduate Skills Framework
3.2 Explanation of Documents
3.3 Assessment Overview
3.4 Assessment Guidance and Regulations
3.5 Assessment Criteria
3.6 Assessment Glossary
4 Working documents
4.1 Placement Preparation Form (including Health and Safety Checklist)
4.2 e-Portfolio
4.3 Action Plan
4.4 Learning Log
4.5 Placement Supervisor Evaluation Form (additional copy)
4.6 Evaluation criteria for placement supervisor evaluation form
4.7 Record of Activities Form
4.8 Record of Attendance Form (Careers Skills Sessions)
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1
Module Introduction
This module handbook, together with Blackboard, provides the information you need to get started and help
you throughout the module. In all placements, you will be working with others in an effort to achieve the
aims of the organisation hosting your placement. In this Handbook you will find assessment guidelines and
the criteria and important documents for and about submissions.
1.1
The Module
All University modules are designed to incorporate directed and self-directed study totalling 100 hours for 10
credits. This module requires students to undertake about 18 hours of directed study (training, workshops,
seminars and tutorials), a minimum of 35 hours of placement visits and up to 47 hours of self-directed
learning.
1.2
Training and Support
There are several different modes of support available that will help you to perform effectively at your
placement and in assessment for the module. We recommend that you make the most of the support
available to you.
Blackboard
Additional resources for the module can be found in the MST2017 folder on Blackboard. You should take
time to fully explore what is available to you in Blackboard.
Tutorials
There will be seven formal opportunities to meet the teaching team for a tutorial. You are strongly
encouraged to prepare for these and attend as they will complement other learning and development
activities. You should bring along any relevant documents, and make your own notes about the main points
discussed. There are also additional tutorials timetabled that you can sign up to if required. You are
welcome to see the teaching team at any other time during the academic year by emailing them and booking
an appointment.
Careers Workshops
Careers Workshops provided by the Careers Service are run repeatedly during the academic year. These are
designed to help you to develop your skills, and prepare you for assessment. Attending at least three of
these sessions is a requirement of this module, and you must have your attendance registered. A list of
suggested workshops is available on Blackboard and you should keep an eye on the Careers Service website
and attend the ones you think will support your purposes best
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/careers/events/workshops.htm
Independent Research
In addition to the support we offer, you should use resources from the Library, the Careers Service and
elsewhere. Use the research skills you have developed in other modules such as MST1012 Research Skills,
but now employ them to find the resources you need to underpin your career skills development on the
placement. Your own research is needed to support your learning and development on this module, for
example with regards to CVs, interview techniques, and reflective thinking and writing.
e-Portfolio
You will undertake a training session to learn how to use e-Portfolio. Regular use of e-Portfolio to record
training, meetings, activities and to reflect on progress is an essential requirement of the module and
integral to all aspects of module assessment.
1.1 What are you required to do?
You should have completed pre-requisites for particular routes e.g. ISA/CRB application for work within
schools, and any other placement which involves working with children or vulnerable adults.
2
Semester 1
Undertake all pre-requisites for work placement:
 Attend an induction training session
 Attend at least three Careers Service Skills workshops
 Attend tutorials with the Module Leader and Teaching Team to gain feedback on CV and cover letter
writing
 Make applications for positions with preferred providers
 Attend interviews as requested
 Begin using e-Portfolio to monitor progress
 Secure a placement position
 Undertake research into issues relevant to the host organisation
 Arrange an initial visit to the placement to discuss goals and expectations, health and safety, and other
legal requirements with your supervisor (See Section 2 for details)
Semester 2
 Attend taught sessions and tutorials with the Module Leader, Teaching Team and Careers Service staff to
develop relevant skills
 Ongoing use of e-Portfolio to monitor progress, and for continuous reflection, analysis and development
of your own competences and skills
 Agree activities, timeline and deliverables with your work placement provider
 Complete at least 35 hours of direct engagement with the organisation hosting the work placement
 Act as an extra resource alongside the placement supervisor and/or others at the placement to help to
achieve the aims of the organisation hosting the placement
 Complete three formal assessment tasks, Work Placement Plan, Presentation, Final Report, and undergo
evaluation by the workplace provider
1.2 What are staff at the placement provider expected to do? (for information only)
 Arrange an initial meeting before the start of the placement to discuss students’ personal goals,
placement organisation’s aims and objectives, key issues, visit details, procedures, placement tasks,
communication (see Section 2 for further guidance)
 Arrange a formal induction for students to discuss health and safety, safeguarding and/or other legal
requirements. At the end of the induction, complete and sign the Health and Safety Checklist relating to
these matters that the student will bring with them
 Provide support and feedback for the student and re-negotiate their role as appropriate. The student
should be proactive in identifying any problems, issues and needs that arise during their placement
 Sign the student’s Record of Activities Form (see Section 4) to verify their attendance and completion of
the required number of hours (this may be completed retrospectively during review meetings)
 Contact the Module Leader if there is anything that cannot be resolved through discussion with the
student
 Ideally, discuss the formal Placement Provider Evaluation Form with the student during and at the end of
the placement. Provide a formal evaluation of the work by the student at the end of the placement
period
1.3 What will University staff do?
 Liaise with placement supervisors to create and support suitable placement opportunities for students
 Ensure that all students and providers are given relevant information about what they need to do to
prepare for the placement e.g. health and safety processes, ISA/CRB application
 Train students, match with appropriate placements and provide relevant information to students and
placements
 Support students to enable them to develop personally and to be successful in the assessment for the
module
 Establish and maintain a working partnership with individual placement providers to resolve issues and
maximise benefits for both parties
3
 Provide formative feedback, assess and moderate students’ work
 Use feedback from all participants to evaluate and improve procedures and administration
1.6
Personal Development
This module will introduce you to concepts, techniques and resources that will help you to define and
achieve your career goals, and improve the skills you are developing now in order to open up opportunities
in the future. Recent research has highlighted that workplace success is more likely if individuals are
equipped to understand and meet their personal and professional development needs1. Employees that are
able to proactively develop and deploy their own skills will be in a better position to take advantage of the
opportunities presented within the global economy. Individuals are expected to:
 Analyse and define the requirements of their job
 Assess whether their current skill set is appropriate
 Acquire skills development training through attending Careers Skills sessions
 Seek and respond to feedback about their performance
Personal Development Planning will be documented in e-Portfolio.
1.7
Safeguarding2 (including Child Protection)
Within your placement you may work with individuals, including children and/or vulnerable adults (‘others’).
Children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection, and everyone working with these people, in
whatever capacity, has a responsibility for their protection. Safeguarding issues are to be regarded as a top
priority and everyone is reminded that the welfare of children and vulnerable adults are of primary concern.
To protect others and yourself, Newcastle University and all placements where students work with children
and/or vulnerable adults have Safeguarding and Child Protection policies. If your placement requires this
you should seek advice and guidance related to Safeguarding and Child Protection, and you should ensure
that you discuss these issues during your initial visit to your placement. However, in summary:
To protect others:
If an individual discloses something to you:
 If it indicates harm to the individual or someone else, it’s a Child Protection matter
 DO NOT promise confidentiality as Child Protection overrides data protection
 You MUST make this a TOP PRIORITY
 You are effectively a member of staff and must pass information on to us and your placement supervisor
To protect you:
 Avoid one-on-one situations and conduct all conversations in a public place
 Avoid physical contact at all times
 Seek further advice from your placement supervisor and/or Designated Safeguarding Officers
 Do not make social networking contact or exchange mobile phone numbers
Designated Senior Person for Safeguarding Children:
You should discuss any issues with the Designated Person for Safeguarding Children at your placement in the
first instance, but otherwise for information and advice contact:
Newcastle University: Gayle Leach, Development Officer, Student and Academic Services,
gayle.leach@ncl.ac.uk, 0191 222 5563
1
www.palgrave.com/skills4study/pdp/about/index.asp#professional (Accessed 08/06/2010).
(all sources accessed 08/06/2010) www.safeguardingchildren.org.uk; For Vulnerable Adults see
www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4074544.pdf;
see also the Abuse of Trust Act
www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/familyandcommunity/childprotection/usefulinformation/abuseoftrust
2
4
1.8
Tell us what you think
You should complete the module questionnaire on line as requested at the end of the year as your feedback
helps us to review procedures currently in place and to improve the module in the future.
2
Your Placement
All students should arrange an initial visit to their placement provider to meet with their placement
supervisor to discuss their expectations. You should prepare for your initial visit using the guidelines below.
Good understanding of a placement’s client group or ‘population characteristics’ can enable you to form
better judgements about behaviours, motivations and expectations within the organisation. Understanding
the aims and ethos (or ‘spirit’) of an organisation will allow you to improve your knowledge of the services
offered by your placement and direct your skills development and creativity accordingly.
2.1
Preparing for Your Placement
Before your initial visit you should:
 Contact any other students attending the same placement as you, then contact your placement and
arrange to make an initial visit together where possible
 Locate your placement using e.g. http://maps.google.co.uk, http://www.yell.com,
http://www.multimap.com. Travel information is available online e.g. http://www.traveline.org.uk
 Complete the first section of the Placement Preparation Form (Section 4)
Making your initial visit:
 Complete Part 1 of the Placement Preparation Form and use this to initiate discussion about experiences
you would like to gain, activities you’d like to try, skills you’d like to develop, and things you are uncertain
about
 Work through the initial visit agenda (Part 2 of the Placement Preparation Form). Use the Placement
Supervisor Handbook to help you to explain your role and what your assessment will involve, and give
this to your placement supervisor
 Remember to complete the Health and Safety Checklist with your supervisor at the placement (Part 3 of
the Placement Preparation Form) and return this promptly to the Module Leader via the School Office
 Negotiate when you will be attending your placement, bearing in mind your other timetabled
commitments, and any other practicalities you need to know about (e.g. appropriate clothing, access to
premises at weekends, dates of Easter Vacation and Public Holidays)
 Find out what you can do to be successful on your placement, including identification of key issues and
developing an understanding of customers/clients/learners interacting with your placement provider
 Tell your placement supervisor and the Module Leader if you have any medical condition that might be
relevant to your job or the working environment
2.2
Attending your Placement
 Carry out at least 35 hours work with your placement provider in Semester 2 to be completed by Friday
19th April 2013. Verify your attendance using the Record of Activities form (see Section 4)
 Use the documents and tools available to you for this module (see Section 3.2) to help you to perform
more effectively in meeting the aims of your placement, setting and achieving your own personal goals,
and developing your graduate skills
 Manage your relationship with your placement supervisor so that you receive regular feedback on your
performance and re-negotiate your role if appropriate
2.3
Academic Year Planner
All assessment deadlines (in bold) are fixed.
Placement visits should be made between Monday 28th January 2013 and Friday 19th April 2013. Those in
education-based placements should be aware of school holiday closure dates.
5
Week
Semester 1
Week 1 (5)
01/10/12
Week 2 (6)
08/10/12
onwards
Week 3 (7)
15/10/12
Week 4 (8)
22/10/12
Week 5 (9)
29/10/12
Week 6 (10)
05/11/12
Week 7 (11)
12/11/12
Week 8 (12)
12/11/12
Planned activity; reminders
Module introduction; introduction to personal/ career development
Placement opportunities and operation and assessment of module
Study session: Introduction to e-Portfolio
Careers Service Skills sessions to underpin career development
(You must attend three of these sessions and have your attendance recorded signed)
Sessions include:
How to write a CV
How to write a CV for academia (if you are interested in a career in research/lecturing)
How to write winning applications
How to write an effective personal statement for PGCE (if you are interested in becoming a
teacher after graduation)
How to succeed at interviews
How to choose your future
Study session: CV and Covering Letter
Tutorial: CV and Covering Letter
Reading week
Submit CV and Covering Letter with placement description and person specification
attached
Deadline: Monday 5th November 2012 12:00 pm
Study session: Personal and Professional Presentation Techniques and Reflective Thinking
Study session: Interview Techniques and Professional Interaction with Placement
Providers
Private Study
Christmas break (14th December 2012 to 7th January 2013)
Semester 1 assessment period (14th January to 25th January 2013)
Semester 2
Week 1 (22)
28/01/13
Week 1 (22)
28/01/13
onwards
Week 2 (23)
04/02/13
Week 3 (24)
11/02/13
Study session: How to prepare a Work Placement Plan
Initial placement visit to be arranged
Attend initial visit to placement provider
Complete Health and Safety checklist
Discussion and preparation of placement plan
Begin assessment: Work Placement Plan (500 words) (10%)
Tutorial
Mock interview
6
Week 4 (25)
18/02/13
Week 5 (26)
25/02/13
Week 7 (28)
11/03/13
Submit Work Placement Plan (500 words) (10%)
Deadline: Monday 18th February 2013 12:00 pm
Work placement may NOT commence until this Plan has been submitted and agreed by
the Module Leader and the Placement Supervisor
Tutorial: Interviews
Tutorial: Preparation for Work Placement
Submit Health and Safety Checklist
Deadline: Monday 11th March 2013 12:00 pm
Work placement may NOT commence until this checklist has been completed and
submitted
Easter Vacation: Monday 12th March 2013 to Friday 12th April 2013
Complete Work Placement
Week 8 (33)
Tutorial: Placement reflection and evaluation
15/04/13
Study session: Reflective Log and Presentation Assessment
Week 9 (34)
22/04/13
Tutorial: Reflective Log
Week 11 (36)
06/05/13
Week 12 (37)
13/05/13
Exam Period
Submit Reflective Log (1,000 words) (30%)
Deadline: Tuesday 7th May 2013 12:00 pm
Submit Placement Provider Assessment (20%)
Deadline: Friday 17th May 2013 12:00 pm
Oral Presentation (15 minutes) (10%)
Written Examination (1 hour) (30%)
7
3
Skills Development, Assessment and Feedback
3.1
Graduate Skills Framework http://www.ncl.ac.uk/quilt/assets/documents/str-gsf-framework.pdf
Graduate employers usually ask for appropriate knowledge, technical competence and general or specific
personal transferable skills. The particular skills (also known as competences or competencies) identified by
employers may vary. The Graduate Skills presented here represent a range of skills that are relevant as
learning outcomes for undergraduate work experience programmes, but which are also directly transferable
into a wide range of graduate employment contexts. Check out http://www.prospects.ac.uk for more
information on graduate skills, careers advice and guidance.
The areas of competence you will be concerned with are:
 Personal Enterprise
 Planning and Organising
 Communication
 Team Working
 Self-awareness
 Reflection
These skills/competences are part of the Newcastle University Graduate Skills Framework. For the purposes
of assessment, you are expected to provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these graduate
skills at a high level whilst on placement. You should use e-Portfolio to record examples of your development
of the graduate skills throughout your placement.
Graduate Skills Framework
Skill/competence
Self Awareness &
Reflection
Planning &
Organising
Definition
Engage in reflective activities in order to understand own
knowledge, values, qualities and skills and to inform and guide
personal and professional development
Set objectives, plan actions and manage time and resources
effectively in order to achieve personal and organisational goals
1 Goal Setting & Action
Planning
Set objectives, schedule resources and manage time
2 Decision Making
Be aware of and choose between opportunities/solutions that
achieve goals, having gathered and evaluated relevant information
Personal Enterprise
Respond to opportunities and initiate change in order to drive
continuous improvement
1 Innovation & Creativity
Generate and visualise novel ideas and concepts
2 Initiative
Identify and make effective use of material, financial and human
resources. Initiate activities and ideas and bring to completion
3 Adaptability
Respond readily to changing situations and priorities
4 Problem-Solving
Critically evaluate complex information and identify key issues for
action and appropriate solutions
8
Skill/competence
Communication
Definition
Effectively use speech, writing, technology and behaviour in order
to present and exchange opinions, ideas and information
1 Oral
Use styles and content of spoken language that are appropriate for
the context and the purpose
2 Interpersonal
Use and respond to non-verbal behaviour, including active listening
techniques
3 Written/other
Use written and other appropriate tools and resources to support and
enhance other forms of communication
Team Working
Work with others in order to establish and achieve common goals
1 Collaboration
Recognise and make best use of the knowledge, values, qualities and
skills of individuals
2 Relationship-building
Create and maintain an environment in which risks and rewards are
shared by all
3 Leadership
Set direction, win the commitment of others and take responsibility
for actions and decisions
3.2
Explanation of Documents Used
There are various documents associated with this module which will help you plan and reflect upon what
you are doing at your placement. Regular use of these documents will provide evidence that you can then
talk about when you meet the Module Leader and during your assessments. You will find electronic copies of
all of these documents on Blackboard and some sample copies within Section 4 of this Handbook.
Placement Preparation Form
This document is designed to help you think about the range of opportunities arising from this module. You
complete Section 1 before attending your initial visit to your placement and Section 2 during that meeting.
Work Placement Plan
A Work Placement Plan is used to help you undertake detailed planning to work towards the goals that you
have set and recorded in e-Portfolio.
Learning Log
You will use this on e-Portfolio, to record examples of your use and development of graduate skills. You
should ensure that each skill is written up in the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format so when
creating a learning log summary, all the information is clear and complete.
3.3
Assessment Overview
Your overall mark for this 10 credit module will be derived from a number of assessment components.
CV and Covering Letter
Following induction, initial training sessions, and one-to-one tutorials, you will submit your CV and present it
with an appropriate covering letter to apply for positions that have been identified with one or more
preferred providers. This will not be summatively assessed, but you must receive formative feedback on
both of these prior to submitting them to any placement providers.
Deadline: Monday 5th November 2012 12:00 pm
9
Work Placement Plan (10%)
Following a successful interview, you must arrange an initial visit with the employer and develop a Work
Placement Plan (500 words).
Deadline: Monday 18th February 2013 12:00 pm
Reflective Log (30%)
You will submit a written assessment incorporating information from e-Portfolio (1,000 words). Successful
completion of this assessment requires you to maintain a formative reflective record throughout the module
using e-Portfolio. You should present and discuss your personal and professional learning and development
in relation to the Graduate Skills Framework and incorporate relevant literature on personal development.
Deadline: Tuesday 7th May 2013 12:00 pm
Evaluation by Placement Supervisor (20%)
This allows your placement supervisor to comment on your career development performance and how your
work has contributed to meeting the aims of their organisation, and will contribute a mark worth 30% of the
total module mark. You should ensure that your placement supervisor completes the form and that it is
submitted by Friday 17th May 2013. It is expected that your supervisor will complete the form provided in
their Supervisor Handbook, however there is a copy in Section 4 of this Handbook. Electronic copies may
also be submitted.
Deadline: Friday 17th May 2013 12:00 pm
Assessed Presentation (10%)
All students will complete a 15-minute presentation which, along with the completed Record of Activities
form, will be awarded a mark worth 10% of the total module mark. This will take place during the Summer
Examination Period. The focus of your presentation will be to demonstrate how you have developed your
graduate skills and how you plan to continue their development. The presentation will allow practice in oral
communication of skills development. The structure will be introduced in a study session in Week 8 (w/c
15/04/13).
Written Examination (30%)
You will be required to sit a formal 1 hour written examination that will assess the skills you have acquired
during the module, including the work placement. The examination will be held at the end of Semester 2
during the Summer Examination Period under normal examination conditions. A sample examination paper
will be available on Blackboard at the start of Semester 2 to help you prepare for assessment.
Assessment Guidance and Regulations
 You should familiarise yourself with the definitions of the graduate skills and the assessment criteria for
the module (all within this Handbook)
 You should work proactively throughout your placement to collect evidence that will enable you to
provide examples that meet the assessment criteria at the highest levels. If you are concerned about
collecting enough evidence from your placement to discuss at your final assessment you should seek
advice from the Module Leader
 Formal requests for extension to any assessment deadlines, together with supporting evidence, must be
submitted on a PEC form to the School Office
 If you fail this module, but have successfully attended a placement, you will be required to re submit
components of the assessment as specified by the Module Leader
10
3.5 Assessment criteria 2012/13
Fail
Situation and
Fails to show selfTask: goal setting awareness or
and action
placement
planning
awareness or to
set clear personal
goals.
Action:
competence in
graduate skills
Results
40-49
You will show selfawareness or placement
awareness to set
personal goals that are
related to your
performance in your
role at your placement
or to exploring your
career aspirations.
50-59
You will show self and
placement awareness
by setting personal
goals and developing
action plans to
become more
effective in your role
at your placement and
to explore your career
aspirations.
60-69
In addition, you will
discuss how your planned
actions: were achievable
by relating them to the
specific policies and
practice of your
placement; were realistic
by relating them to your
own strengths and
weaknesses; will improve
your performance in
specific duties at your
placement or develop
your career aspirations.
Describes
You will discuss your
You will discuss
In addition, you will relate
behaviour at your behaviour at your
actions taken to
your actions to what you
placement that is placement in relation to progress personal
have learned from either
unrelated to
your personal goals.
goals.
observing others at your
personal goals.
Your behaviour at your Your actions will
placement or researching
Behaviour at your placement will indicate evidence good
graduate skills techniques
placement
weak competence in
competence in the
and theory.
indicates
the majority of
majority of graduate
Your actions will be
unsatisfactory
graduate skills.
skills.
completed within an
competence in
appropriate timescale
the majority of
and evidence very good
the graduate
competence in the
skills.
majority of graduate
skills.
Describes actions You will discuss how the You will discuss how
In addition, you will
without
results of your actions
the results of your
discuss how you have
identifying results benefitted you or your
actions benefitted you measured the results of
that benefit self
placement.
and your placement.
your actions and discuss
or placement.
why they were important
for you and your
placement.
11
70-79
You will also establish the
significance of your goals and
planned actions by aligning
improved performance with
placement and occupational
standards nos.ukces.org.uk.
You will discuss how your
planned actions will improve
your performance and
develop your career
aspirations.
80+
You will evaluate
personally challenging
goals and planned
actions.
Your goals plan to
enhance and diversify
your role at your
placement and
develop your career
ambitions.
You will explain how your
actions were based on what
you have learned from
observing others at your
placement and researching
graduate skills techniques
and theory.
Your actions will evidence
excellent competence in the
majority of graduate skills.
In addition, you will
contrast your actions
with past behaviour to
establish your
progression to
excellent competence
in all graduate skills.
You will also explain why the
results of your actions
brought improvement for
you and your placement.
You will also explain
why the results of your
actions brought
substantial
improvement for you
and your placement.
3.6
Assessment Glossary
Term
Analysis
Applied
Appropriate
Benefit
Competence
Consistently
Criterion
Critically
Effective
Engagement
Evaluation
Evidence
Expertise
Explicit
Formative assessment
Key Issues
New Knowledge
Non-verbal
Outcomes
Primary source
Reflection
Secondary Source
Significant
Skills
Substantial
Synthesise
Understanding
Valid
Definition
Considering a range of aspects, solutions and/or approaches to a problem,
situation or action
Learning or knowledge used in placement or personal development
At an undergraduate or postgraduate level, and suitable for the placement,
including people at the placement
Enhances, improves or continues the work of the placement and may also
include benefits to self-relating to personal development
Ability to use more than one element of a (specific) graduate skill in practice
Evident in all responses
A standard for judging the quality of evidence
The rational and reflective process of making judgments incorporating
clarity, accuracy, evidence, and thoroughness
Producing a desirable result or outcome
Active participation throughout the module and positive attitude towards
placement, staff, other students and assessment
Present an appraisal of the situation/your actions stressing the pros, cons,
advantages and limitations.
Concise information demonstrating competence
Exceptional level of specific knowledge related to subject or situation
Precise and clearly expressed
Assessment tasks which help you improve your skills and knowledge but
which may not be awarded a mark
Matters that directly guide, enable or inhibit the setting and achievement of
personal and/or organisational goals
Primary or secondary research undertaken to support and enhance your
learning
Communication skills including use of eye contact, body language and
expressive gestures
Results of work, actions, interventions, and/or research
Data that does not already exist, that you uncover through research (e.g.
interviews with your supervisor; questionnaires)
Carefully considering an experience that you have had
A record or document that analyses or builds on an original source or
another secondary source
Important, of high value, may be unique within the placement
The graduate skills, personal attributes and abilities
Result of sustained input or research, wide scale, or in depth
Include and combine all the individual component parts
Demonstration of underpinning knowledge related to issues affecting the
placement, people or personal development
Reliable, relevant and appropriate
12
4
Working Documents
4.1
Placement Preparation Form
Part 1: Preparation for initial visit
This document is designed to help you think about the range of opportunities arising from this module.
Think about:
 How this module will benefit your future career
 What you want to experience
 The skills and knowledge you want to develop
 How you can contribute to the placement using all of your abilities and talents
These ideas should then be discussed with your placement supervisor during your initial visit as you explore
and agree your role.
Use the space below to record your initial thoughts on what you would like to achieve from this vocational
placement and what your career aspirations are?
Prior to your initial visit, you should undertake research into your placement and attempt to identify and
record some aims and objectives to complete the task successfully. Consider this information alongside your
own aspirations before and during your initial visit to inform your discussions
Practical considerations for initial visit (e.g. key contacts and phone numbers, other students, travel
arrangements, basic placement information)
Prepare any questions for you to take to your initial visit
13
Part 2: Initial Visit Agenda
You should ensure that your discussions at your initial visit address the issues below:
Key issues for yourself and your placement
Discussed
Documents seen
(as appropriate)
What you would like to achieve from the module
What your role will be
How your role relates to placement aims and objectives
Hand over Supervisor Handbook and Placement Provider Evaluation
Form
Scheduled placement visits
Complete Health and Safety Checklist
(and copies obtained)
Specific Risk assessments for work role
Workplace specific, e.g. Employment terms and conditions
................................................................................................
Other – please specify
................................................................................................
Please record any other important information here (e.g. appropriate clothing, access arrangements,
direction for appropriate facilities for changing/toilet etc).
14
Part 3: Health and Safety Checklist MST2017 Graduate Employability Skills for Marine Scientists
All students are required to complete with their work/placement supervisor
We are required to ensure that all of our students are working in a safe and healthy environment. Please
complete this checklist for the academic year 2012/13, and return it to the address listed below.
Placement Name:
Student Name:
Yes
1
We have a written Health and Safety policy
2
The student will undergo an induction and receive other safety-related training necessary
to undertake the placement
3
The student will be provided with any necessary safety equipment or protective clothing
(e.g. hard hat, high visibility clothing)
4
The student will be supervised during the placement
5
Risk assessments are available that cover the work the student will be undertaking
6
Arrangements are in place in the event of an emergency
7
The University will be informed of any accident involving the student
8
There is a formal procedure for reporting and recording accidents and incidents
9
If the role involves working with children or vulnerable adults, then the student will be
provided with the relevant Child Protection documentation and briefed on the placement
procedures
No
The above statements are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Name of Contact: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Job Title: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Signed: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Date: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you for completing the checklist.
You should return this form to:
Dr Sara Marsham, School of Marine Science and Technology, Dove Marine Laboratory, Newcastle University,
Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PZ
e-mail: sara.marsham@ncl.ac.uk
Please note – Failure to complete and return this document by the latest deadline (Monday 11th March
2013) will result in suspension or removal from the module
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4.2
e-Portfolio
 You should reflect on your personal development throughout the module and record any activities
completed, and aims and objectives for the vocational placement on e-Portfolio
 You should identify up to five goals for your placement and document them on e-portfolio and link them
to the relevant skills on the Graduate Skills Framework. This should be made available to your Module
Leader so they can see your progress throughout the module
At your initial visit you should have agreed your role (which may change over time) and how it relates to
your placement task aims and objectives. This document will encourage you to set a series of subsequent
goals.
Goal setting is a useful process as it helps you to:
 Set direction and focus your attention on exactly what you want to achieve
 Motivate yourself
Goals should be challenging though realistic, and relevant to your current circumstances. When setting
personal goals for this module, you should also be aware of key issues and how these might influence the
actions you take to achieve each of your goals.
The space below will allow you to set yourself personal goals having considered your placement’s aims and
objectives, your development needs, including your competence in graduate skills, and any key issues
guiding, enabling or inhibiting the setting of your goals.
Once you have identified exactly what you want to achieve, you then need to plan the steps that will result
in achieving each goal. This process is known as Action Planning and you should do this to help the complete
your Work Placement Plan and Learning Log.
Personal goal to develop
competence in graduate skills
and meet placement aims and
objectives
Placement/organisational aim
Things guiding, enabling or
inhibiting goal (key issues)
4.3
Action Plan
Action Plans are used to help you undertake detailed planning to help you to work towards the aspirational
goals that you have documented on e-Portfolio.
Develop a SMART target, including use of research, which will enable you to address one of your key issues
and help you to progress towards your goal. You are likely to be working towards several goals
simultaneously, so you will have a number of SMART targets.
For each action plan upload it to e-Portfolio with an appropriate blog and link it to the associated graduate
skill (remember to make it public so your Module Leader can assess how you are progressing). The blog
should be constantly updated with each event as this will help you write up your learning log. A SMART
target should be set for each objective in the Work Placement Plan.
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SMART targets:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Timescale
4.4
Learning Log
Review the SMART targets that you have set yourself and ensure that you have considered all three strands
of the assessment criteria (see Section 3.5).
Using the summary of evidence in e-Portfolio for the appropriate graduate skill, think about
 How successful was your planned action in achieving your target and helping you to progress towards
your goal?
 Reflect upon what you have learned in your placement
 How the use of wider careers related literature underpinned your development?
 Remember to try and use the STAR method in answering these questions, (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Once you have written these for all of your SMART objectives, you can create your learning log by
incorporating your goals, your action plans and your summary of evidence of how you achieved your goals.
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4.5
Evaluation by the Placement Host Supervisor – Supervisor Evaluation Form
Student:
Placement Supervisor:
Ideally, the supervisor will discuss this evaluation with the student at the start, in the middle and at the end
of the placement.
In the table below: E = Excellent; VG = Very Good; G = Good; W = Weak; U = Unsatisfactory.
Please refer back to page 4 of the Placement Supervisor Handbook for full details of Evaluation Criteria and
Standards and mark which the student achieved in the table below.
To be assessed as a University First Class performance (70%), a student should have E’s in all four criteria.
Similarly, all VG’s would result in an Upper Second (60-69%), GGGG would get 50% etc.
Outstanding work by students should be awarded more than 70%.
Competence
Planning and
Organising
Definition
Set objectives, plan actions and manage time and
resources effectively in order to complete
placement task successfully and achieve personal
and organisational goals.
Communication Use speech, writing, technology and behaviour
effectively to present and exchange opinions,
ideas and information in order to achieve
placement and personal goals.
Team Working Work with others in order to establish and achieve
placement and personal goals.
Personal
Respond to opportunities and initiate change in
Enterprise
order to achieve placement and personal goals.
U
W
G
VG
Please provide additional evidence to justify the scores awarded above and comments overleaf.
18
E
Evaluation by the supervisor (continued)
Evidence and Comments: Please comment on how well (or otherwise) the student carried out their
task/project and thereby contributed to meeting the aims of your organisation.
Are you interested in receiving another student next academic year?
Yes
No
Signed: ____________________ Name (please print): _______________________ Date: _________
This evaluation is worth 20% of the overall module mark.
Please return to Dr Sara Marsham by Friday 17th May 2013.
Forms may be returned electronically to sara.marsham@ncl.ac.uk or by post to her at:
School of Marine Science and Technology, Dove Marine Laboratory, Newcastle University, Cullercoats, North
Shields, NE30 4PZ
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4.6
Evaluation criteria and standards for the Supervisor Evaluation Form3
Planning & Organising
Personal Enterprise
Set objectives, plan actions and manage time and Respond to opportunities and initiate change in
resources effectively in order to achieve personal order to drive continuous improvement
and organisational goals
E
Always arrived at agreed time; completed a
range of well-researched personal actions
independently and/or using appropriate
consultation processes
Arrived 75-99% at agreed time; completed some
personal actions independently and/or using
appropriate consultation processes
Arrived 75-99% at agreed time; completed a
small number of personal actions, sometimes
after asking for assistance
Arrived <75% at agreed time; completed a small
number of personal actions
Arrived < 75% at agreed time; did not discuss or
complete any personal actions
VG
G
W
U
At most times made correct judgement and
used effectively skills of innovation & creativity,
initiative, adaptability, problem-solving
Usually used personal enterprise methods
appropriately (>50%)
Used personal enterprise methods
appropriately some of the time (>30%)
Showed little evidence of personal enterprise
Repeatedly failed to demonstrate any aspect of
personal enterprise and/or took inappropriate
independent action
Evaluation criteria and standards for the supervisor evaluation form (continued)
Communication
Teamworking
Effectively use speech, writing, technology and
Work with others in order to establish and
behaviour in order to present and exchange
achieve common goals
opinions, ideas and information
E
VG
G
W
U
Communicated effectively throughout with
everyone using a wide range of appropriate oral,
interpersonal and other methods
Usually communicated effectively and with some
evidence of a range of appropriate methods used
Some evidence of effective communication
Inconsistent, ineffective and/or limited range of
communication methods used
Was frequently not able to communicate
effectively with people e.g. lacked clarity, did not
listen etc.
Formed effective working relationships with all
involved through undertaking a variety of roles
e.g. collaborative, leadership
Was able to form effective working
relationships with a range of different people
Was able to form a limited number of working
relationships
Was not able to form effective relationships
Was not able to form effective relationships
and/or frequently created poor relationships
Outstanding work can be evidenced though e.g. exceptional quality of performance, undertaking additional
duties and/or visits/engagement, developing resources, major impact on placement host i.e. achievement
against organisational aims.
3
See Section 3.1 for a detailed breakdown of the components of each skill
20
4.7
Record of Activities Form –placement visits
Use this part of the form to record your placement visits.
This should include:
 Initial visit to placement
 Placement visits
 Placement supervisor review meetings
 Final review meeting with placement supervisor
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have completed the required number of hours of placement visits for
the module which is 35 hours during Semester 2.
Student Name
Module Code
Placement name
MST2017
Date
Start
time
End
time
Description - brief details about what you did
Signed
Hours
Tally of
hours
21
Date
Start
time
End
time
Description - brief details about what you did
Signed
Hours
Tally of
hours
22
Date
Start
time
End
time
Description - brief details about what you did
Signed
Hours
Tally of
hours
Total amount of hours completed at placement:
35 hours for 10 credits
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Careers Service Skills Sessions: Record of Attendance
Attendance at a minimum of three Careers Service Skills sessions is a compulsory requirement of this module,
and must be recorded. At the end of a skills session please ensure that the member of Careers Service staff
signs this sheet to confirm your attendance.
Skills session title
Date
Attended
Careers Service signature
Student signature
Attendance at these sessions must be completed by February 2013 prior to commencement of Work
Placement.
24