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This project aims to enhance the connection with BSc Sports Studies alumni by involving them in curriculum activities, such as guest lectures and workshops. Alumni serve as mentors, providing valuable insights and opportunities for current students, enriching the learning experience. The project reinforces the educational philosophy of the course, promoting ongoing mentoring relationships between students and staff. The sustainable Community of Practice approach fosters peer learning and alumni engagement, benefiting all stakeholders.
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Jarrod Lippiatt and David Turner Creating a Sustainable Alumni Legacy for BSc Sports Studies
Outline LTI enhancement award project aimed to enhance and sustain link with BSc Sports Studies alumni Developed current practice of external engagement in curriculum activity, via inviting alumni to share professional expertise and enhance student experience Achieved through alumni involvement in the delivery of paid guest lectures, practicals and workshops
Theoretical Framework Project has reinforced educational philosophy of the course, in that mentoring between students and staff often continues post course Role of educational mentoring seen as important for self development – e.g., where mentor becomes a supporter and guide for development (Merriam,1983) Alumni have become informal mentors and role models to undergraduate students There has been positive evidence of supported peer learning, through a community of practice (CoP) approach (Wenger, 1998, 2000)
The Alumni experience “I think that the alumni will have empathy for the students.” “Able to describe the process of going from the course to potentially their first full time employment post.” “The greatest benefit is that the alumni have gone through the same experience as students so there is no-one better to speak about certain situations.” “Given students a bit more of an idea as to what to expect after leaving university in the search for a job.” “I wanted to be able to support the degree and also feedback difficulties associated with real world working life.” “Made me self evaluate, something i have not done for a while.”
The Student experience “In particular i benefitted from alumni who are now working within jobs related to the Sports Studies degree. This helped me think what i wanted to do in the future and how i needed to go about getting there.” “Attending the alumni lecture gave great insight into the world of notational analysis and also opened up opportunities for myself to undergo work experience in this area with David as my mentor. This experience and has been of great help to my development as I now want to pursue this as a career and have this opportunity with the thanks of David Stephens and my Sport Studies lecturers.” “I really enjoyed the interaction with the course alumni.” “To add...”
The Staff experience “Having alumni to present case study scenarios worked fantastically well. It was a lovely opportunity to build links with previous students and to have them stand up in front of current students and say, I was sat there only 2 years ago.” “It added relevance, validity, value and variety to module content and enriched the learning experience for all involved. Definitely have them back again” “It re-assured me, of the courses commitment to employability.” “There is an ongoing virtuous circle that can be developed through this type of project – current students can see first-hand the validity of what they are learning; alumni have the opportunity to put into practice what they have learnt; and staff get to develop continuing mentoring relationships with graduates which can facilitate CPD for both parties.”
The Alumni • Involved a total of 8 alumni • Alumni were from cohorts that graduated within the last 3 years • The contribution of sessions spanned different themes of the degree being: Sports Management Sports Development Sports Coaching Sports Sociology / Research
Case Study • Alumni acted as mentors for students and provided opportunities for work experience • L2 student took the opportunity to assist an alumni match analysis at Watford FC • Completed his in course Work Experience hours, has been offered employment and research potential
Outcomes Enriched course delivery and reinforced value of work experience currently embedded on the course Project has formalised alumni involvement with BSc Sports Studies, while facilitating their own CPD The value of shared experience from near peers was evidenced Alumni were encouraged to keep a reflective account of their involvement and evaluate their experiences Additional teaching resources were created from alumni involvement, which enhance the curriculum Taps into applied knowledge which is a welcome addition, offering an alternative perspective for students Has started to encourage a cyclical culture of giving back
Challenges and Sustainability • Expectations • Standards • Employability! • Time commitment • Responsibilities • Teaching Resources • Voluntary sessions • Legacy – become school / FE educators • Adding value to alumni - CPD • Career destinations / Future study • Culture for shared development • Employability • Networking
Recommendations for a Higher Education Community of Practice?
References Merriam, S. (1983) Mentors and protégés: A critical review of the literature, Adult Education Quarterly, 33: 161-173. Wenger, E. (1998) Communities of practice: Learning, meaning and identity. Cambridge University Press Wenger, E. (2000) Communities of practice and social learning systems, Organization, 7: 225-246.
