Learning Support and Assessment through Blended Learning for Work Experience and Employability

Thames Valley University (TVU) project funded under the Discipline-focused Learning Technology Enhancement Academy (DfLTEA)

The TVU School of Hospitality and Tourism has students studying on hospitality, international hotel travel and tourism, event, airline and airport and business travel management courses. Approximately 400 students each year are required to undertake a placement, accredit part-time work or gain APEL for previous work experience. A sizeable team of staff are involved with preparation, visiting and assessment.

For a number of years, a highly structured approach to PDP and employability has been embedded in three core modules, one at each level of study. This has been effective in skills development and preparation for placement, but has taken up considerable staff time for relatively simple learning activities and in handling paper portfolios. So a move to a blended learning approach, using available technology, is proposed through this project.

The aims of the project are:

  • to enhance the existing process by developing motivational learning support and electronic submission;
  • to increase and improve the level of support for placement students away from the university for a year, many of them working overseas

There will be two threads of activity:

Learning and assessment
Students will identify and reflect on skills, write CVs, prepare for interviews, develop skills in the work place, collect evidence and develop portfolios. Existing materials and established sites will be developed and used, supported by video and podcast created by staff and employers. There will be two assessment points: a proposal for how the students intend to meet the work experience requirements, and an e-portfolio of evidence demonstrating skills development during work experience.

Communication and support
Students, tutors, placement office staff and employers will be able to communicate more effectively through use of technology. Learning support, information and networking opportunities before and during work experience will be facilitated.

The project will impact a large number of students and staff, thus enabling development in other modules and, given the generic nature of some of the content, will have wider applicability to other departments, schools and universities.


The course team

Dr Sarah Cullen, Principal Lecturer (Team Leader)
David Mackrory, Senior Lecturer
Patrick Mugai, Senior Lecturer
Andrew Pennington, Senior Lecturer
Maureen Spriggs, Placement Coordinator

Patsy Kemp, HE Academy HLST Network (Supporter)
Steve Outram, HE Academy (Critical Friend)