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Tempus Project INARM

Webinar

Methodology of the project: from requests of employers to the learning outcomes

-> Input from WUS Austria
Veronika Nitsche, Dept. Executive Director December 12/12/2012

INTRODUCTION
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BACKGROUND/RATIONALE
The changing role of universities: from teaching institutions -> to teaching and research institutions -> to nowadays role (as a crucial factor for social and economic development) Increasing demands of the labor market for the contents of higher education -> a move from supply-side policies towards more demand or market-driven actions New professional requirements set by the market, for learning outcomes, general skills and competences

CHALLENGES FOR UNIVERSITIES

In todays education, especially in higher education, outcomes matter. These outcomes are not only assessed by the universities themselves, but also by the labor market and the society at large. The relationship between higher education institutions and the labor market is a two-way street, whereas the labor market determines the needs of skills, but education can also create new skills that influence the labor market. Often there is a significant mismatch between what universities offer and what employers need, therefore bridging the gap between (higher) education and employment is a serious challenge for universities.

COMPETENCES ON ALL LEVELS

Employability and meeting the needs of the labor market are complex matters that cannot be solved on the level of curricula alone, it requires also e.g.

matching strategies on the national, regional and institutional level

functioning administration and QA transparent funding of the institution (core funding and performance-based funding) collaboration with other universities (internationalization) adequate teaching/learning methods

MATCHING COMPETENCES IN HE AND THE LABOR MARKET

TOPICS:

Assessment of competence gaps between what is taught at the universities and the requirements of the labor market (e.g. focus group interviews, survey, and analysis) Development of a competence matrix (matching of subjects taught and competences graduates should have)
Translation of competences (specific and generic) into learning outcomes and activities Evaluation

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
TOPICS:

Development of labor market relevant study programs

Syllabus development Correct usage of ECTS/assessment of course workload Modularization of programs Designing curricula based on learning outcomes How to write learning outcomes Linking learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities and assessment

OTHER MEANS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN HE INSTITUTIONS AND ECONOMY

TOPICS: Case study competitions Joint research LLL Business Start-Up Centers Joint lectures Thesis on a topic provided by a company Internships, career fairs etc.

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! Veronika Nitsche veronika.nitsche@wus-austria.org

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