Academic Lead for Reflective Practice

This role is available to current employees at the University of Leeds only
Expected 0.2 FTE workload remission for 12 months
This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
The Experiential Learning project aims to illuminate and demystify the ways we can enhance student learning by creating opportunities for them to apply their knowledge in a range of contexts, within the curriculum. The benefits of experiential learning include:
o Developing a range of skills;
o Deepening understanding of their disciplines;
o Improving student motivation;
o Enhancing belonging and understanding of social justice;
o Confirming/inspiring future choices; and developing social capital.
Experiential learning is not new to the university and we are building on strong foundations; however, it often takes place in co- or extra-curricular spaces, which can reinforce existing structural inequalities (Hordosy and Clark, 2018) and lead to lower engagement and success (Jiracheewewong et al, 2019). Therefore, we are exploring how we can develop a more holistic approach which focuses on providing more inclusive opportunities for experiential learning within the curriculum, as a complement to co-/extra-curricular activities.
Our vision
Experiential learning enables students to explore their possible selves and to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours that will help them to achieve their goals. Our aim is to develop a socially responsible and integrated approach to Experiential Learning which will structure and support the development and implementation of learning opportunities at the University of Leeds (e.g. in Discovery, core/optional modules, co-curricular activities). Our inclusive approach recognises the need for flexibility and adaptability, to enable students to:
o Explore and understand what they care about, and what their values are for their work and personal lives;
o Gain first-hand experience of challenge, stretch (and subsequent growth and failing);
o Benefit from mentors and insights beyond the university and build their connections;
o Recognise the ways in which their skills and knowledge apply in different contexts (particularly beyond the university);
o Discover what kinds of work tasks, behaviours, patterns, activities they enjoy (or not);
o Build confidence that they have the skills, knowledge, behaviours, attributes that are valued by employers;
o Adopt a lifelong, life-wide commitment to continuing to develop their skills and knowledge.