Graduate Attributes in an Age of Uncertainty

Abstract

The idea for this book began a few years ago when we, together with another colleague, were invited to write a position paper (Hager, Holland & Beckett 2002) on a similar topic for the Business/Higher Education Roundtable in Australia. Subsequently, in line with our recommendations, this group decided to produce a further position paper showcasing progress and good practice in embedding and assessing generic attributes in universities in Australia (B-HERT 2003). Since these developments we have had an opportunity to reflect on both the theoretical and practical issues we raised. Not surprisingly these issues have remained topical. Indeed, particularly in these changing and competitive times, there continues to be policy, business and educational interest in the general or generic outcomes of undergraduate programs, and the relationship between graduate attributes and what has come to be termed ‘employability’. Our respective research and professional projects are such that we have long had an interest in, and commitment to the emancipatory potential of learning, and the importance of setting undergraduate education in a broader framework of a lifelong learning process rather than as an end in itself. We believe that this kind of approach is important for school leavers as much as for mature adults reentering formal education with the intent of pursuing degree level or other studies. Furthermore, we consider that the contemporary focus on the transition to work and the role of generic attributes, whether for school leavers or graduates, needs to be conceived more realistically and coherently as part of an ongoing and interactive learning project. The work environment can provide individual and collective opportunities to build on and integrate the kinds of learning gained from the classroom, lecture or laboratory. Given certain conditions, workers at any level can continue to develop their knowledge and understanding as well as their repertoire of skills and dispositions.