Welcome
International Conference on Enhancement
and Innovation in Higher Education
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow
9-11 June 2015
Sally Smith & Colin Smith
Presentation
Supporting student transitions to
placement:
developing a new self-identity
Introduction
•
e-Placement Scotland
•
Transition to employment
•
Self-identification
•
Interventions to support transition
e-Placement Scotland
• Since 2010, created over 1000 paid
placements for students studying
computing across Scotland
• Now in Phase 2 and working with project
partners: Edinburgh Napier University,
ScotlandIS
e-Placement Scotland
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e-Placement Scotland
Identity theories
Identity theory – role based, multiple roles,
identity salience/ commitment
Social identity theory – group based
identification, in/out groups & associated
behaviour
Student identity
•
•
•
Knowledge seeker
In computing: analytical, technical,
quiet, reflective work
Associated with status
Professional identity
•
•
•
•
Coherent image of self as a
professional (Cascio & Gasker, 2001)
Recognition of skills & competence
In computing: problem solving and
technical expertise
Status outside the profession
questionable
Identity adaptation
•
Influenced by:
• Possible selves
• Developmental networks
• Role models
e-Placement Scotland – supporting transition for
placed and non-placed students
Initial status
New status
Individual
Initiation
events
Redefinition
Costello (2005)
Initiation events
1. Company-hosted tech talks – possible
selves – imagining self as professional
in workplace situations
2. Speed networking – initial
development networks
3. In-lecture presentations – presenting
case studies as role models
Conclusion
• Employers have high expectations
• Universities are supporting students
meet these expectations through
interventions
• Interventions can be designed to
influence self-identification