A Contribution to the 'Employability' debate

Dr. Poppy Turner

Undergraduate learning at programme level; an analysis of students' perspectives

This research project aimed to understand undergraduate learning at programme level by analysing students' perspectives. Seventy graduates and undergraduates contributed their perceptions of the learning opportunities they encountered while studying Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Bath, between 1994 and 2005.

The methodology employed was qualitative, involving open dialogue (face to face and by email) whereby the students' concerns dictated the agenda, rather than those of the researcher. Data are presented in narrative form, intended to convey a rounded picture of the richness and variety of students' perceptions of their learning situations, including lectures, practical classes, tutorials, placements, presentations and projects. Comments from the students included the following:

[Doing a placement] 'Allowed me to build a much broader scientific knowledge base and brought a lot of things I had learnt into context'.

'A major point aiding my learning was the friendly atmosphere . frequent interactions with colleagues definitely promoted my learning.'

At uni[versity] there was so much I needed to do that I rushed . On placement, you start to understand and sit and ponder.'

For further information about this research, please contact Poppy Turner: e-mail: dandpturner@aol.com