International Pathways students: applied Learning Weeks build networks
International Pathways students: applied Learning Weeks build networks
Dr Victoria Wilson-Crane
What is the idea?
The academic year for pathways learners was divided up into short cycles of largely-teacher mediated formal learning with a strong emphasis on active learning, punctuated by compulsory weeks dedicated to applied learning where students are off their regular timetables learning in multi-disciplinary groups with greater autonomy to curate their own learning experiences.
Why this idea?
In response to student feedback indicating a need to help students create networks beyond their courses, in Autumn 2019, Kaplan International Pathways introduced a new academic calendar. The company operates ten pathways to Higher Education colleges on or close to campuses of universities in the UK. 6,000 students each year successfully complete these programmes and progress to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at a range of institutions, including those in the Russell Group.
Working with others and making good use of the contacts we have has never been more important (Adey, 2021, p. xvi), particularly during the global pandemic where in-person social contact has been restricted. Montgomery suggests that “international students form a strong international community that supports their learning.” (Montgomery, 2010, p. 67). It is helpful if students are scaffolded to build these networks during their time on their pathways course.
King and Scott (2014) note “research shows it is not sufficient to look to a boss, or a senior mentor or sponsor; you need to build a set of high-quality relationships to drive and sustain success.” (p. 6). The opportunities for relationship building and forming a global network is something that we know our international students prioritise so this is particularly important for students in our context but is relevant to learners in many other settings, too.
Formal learning at Kaplan International Pathways is now divided into five-week cycles. In between cycles there are themed Applied Learning Weeks.
These weeks are opportunities for students to focus on interdisciplinary topics, apply the learning from their modules and work with students from different courses and at different levels (pre-undergraduate and pre-postgraduate). They include elements of team-based learning, discovery-based learning and problem-solving, working with tutors who facilitate the learning and provide relevant support and guidance.
On the Monday of Applied Learning Weeks, students are introduced to their groups and the theme and objectives for the week and are required to organise their activities towards a common goal. Students are given a brief for each Applied Learning Week and activities are then student-led with Learning Advisors and other tutors available for support and guidance if needed. There are check-in points daily to ensure students are on-task but aside from those, students work remotely from the college on their projects.
Applied Learn