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Challenges of assuring the development of graduate attributes in a Bachelor of Arts
Fraser, Kym Thomas, Theda
Fraser, Kym
Thomas, Theda
Author
Abstract
All universities in Australia are asked to develop various attributes in their degrees. From 2011, the Australian Qualifications Framework has stipulated some of these attributes for the various levels of qualifications. There are many challenges that face assuring the development of graduate attributes in a Bachelor of Arts as the degree typically has very few core units (if any), a wide choice of subjects, a limited prerequisite structure and, unlike many professional degrees, the BA does not have an external accrediting body. This paper describes an approach used to identify the pathway undertaken by each individual student in a History major of the Bachelor of Arts. This pathway was used to identify the graduate attributes that each student should have developed, as articulated by the lecturers. Student perceptions were then compared with the graduate attributes that were intended to be developed through each individual's combination of units studied. In summary, through analysing the two methods (student perceptions and unit pathway) we found that they concurred with respect to only three-quarters of the graduate attributes. Possible reasons for the discrepancies and future research are discussed. The need for multiple methods of providing evidence of the development of graduate attributes is confirmed.
Keywords
Bachelor of Arts, generic skills, graduate attributes, History major
Date
2013
Type
Journal article
Journal
Higher Education Research and Development
Book
Volume
32
Issue
4
Page Range
545-560
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
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