The student-led committee: a model for developing autonomy, self-efficacy, interpersonal skills, shared ownership, responsibility and resilience

Rebecca Gamble and Chris Jones, Nottingham Trent University 

Email: rebecca.gamble@ntu.ac.uk; chris.jones02@ntu.ac.uk 

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Abstract

This presentation will focus on the student experience of the Degree Show Committee (NTU Design Industries), an extra-curricular activity and work-related learning for level 5-7 Product Design students at Nottingham Trent University, and our current pilot research using the NTU Employability Redefined Taxonomy.  

The NTUDI student-led committee work in teams to develop the brand, brochure, website, marketing and exhibition of their annual public degree show. While facilitated by staff, it intends to encourage autonomy, self-efficacy, interpersonal skills, shared ownership, responsibility and resilience, recognised by Scager, K. et al (2016) as a highly effective way to engage students and for them to value their sense of achievement.  

Moving to Online Degree Shows in 2020 and 2021, provided a rich learning experience through problem solving in real-life contexts (Kirschner, 2004). Using online platforms, largely Microsoft Teams and Miro, we fostered a facilitative environment for remote collaborative learning, strengthening the confidence, resilience, and autonomy of students during a challenging time (Sarkar 2021). 

This provides students with meaningful opportunities to develop core Professional Attributes towards employability, including Positive Attitude; Professional Mindset; Ability to Problem Solve; Working With Others; and Articulating Professional Identity (NTU Employability). This supports their ability to be independent and autonomous, which connects to first class undergraduate grading descriptors, and towards future employability.