An Exploration of The Possible Influence of the Academy of Sport's Socialisation Process...
Dec 8, 2021 | Views:208499 |
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An Exploration of The Possible Influence of the Academy of Sport's Socialisation Process on the Employability Confidence of its Graduates and the Cultural Domain of Graduateness
an Oral Defence by Mr. Ato Kenya Rockcliffe
Work-readiness in graduates of tertiary education institutions has become the focus of many educators within recent years (Conference Board, 2009; NCIHE, 1997). Though many scholars agree that employability is critical, some argue that tertiary institutions should go beyond preparing graduates for the workforce, and also equip them with the tools to navigate society (Barnett & Coate, 2005). For students who have completed a bachelor's degree, the socialisation process they experienced therein should foster graduateness. Graduateness, in essence, incorporates both the technical and softer skills learned to enhance employability and ensure that students are able to make a sound contribution to society.
The aims of this study were to: (i) gain insights into the culture of graduateness in The University of Trinidad and Tobago's Academy of Sport (UTT AoS); (ii) conceptualise the AoS's socialisation process; (iii) explore the potential influence of the Academy's socialisation process; and (iv) explore parallel themes among the insights gained from the data and information collected in the three preceding objectives. A multi-pronged mixed method approach was used for data collection; this employed methods of free-listing, semi-structured interviews, and an online administered structured survey. The main findings of this study are that: (i) critical actors believe that graduateness was characterised by three domains of moral citizenship, academic orientation, and industry readiness; (ii) instructors viewed collaboration with industry as necessary to improve aspects of the curriculum, and facilities as key to improve the quality of training students receive; (iii) graduates were on average satisfied with the socialisation process at the Academy; (iv) graduates were confident with their employability skills; and (v) socialisation process factors of curriculum design and delivery, relationship with staff, and general campus facilities impact on graduates' confidence..
Mr. ATO KENYA ROCKCLIFFE currently teaches at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). He has over sixteen (16) years of experience as an educator and seventeen (17) years of experience as a Sport for Development practitioner. His certification includes a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Sociology, an International Masters in Sport for Development, and a professional certificate in High Level Facilitation from the Community Research and Development Association in South Africa.
Wednesday 8th December, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
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