Graduate Attributes - Undergraduate

Intent

To specify graduate attributes to guide all undergraduate teaching.

Scope

This policy applies to the teaching of all undergraduate courses and subjects.

Definitions

Graduate attributes are of two kinds:

Generic skills - capabilities that are learned through all of the courses that JCU teaches.

Graduate qualities - personal, ethical and moral dispositions of the person that are nurtured by the courses and intellectual life of JCU.

Policy and Procedures

Purposes for Learning and Teaching
One way of describing the overall purposes of University education is in terms of the attributes to be developed by students.

James Cook University considers that students completing its undergradaute courses should be recognised as having certain graduate attributes that distinguish them as university graduates, and as graduates of JCU in particular.

There are several expectations of members of the University with respect to graduate attributes.

Faculties and Schools are required to:

1. (i)

   ensure that every graduate attribute is developed in every degree course, and

2. (ii)

   state in each subject proposal which graduate attribute(s) is (are) to be taught, and

3. (iii)

   state in course proposals the subjects in which each of the graduate attributes is taught, and

4. (iv)

   incorporate and expand on these graduate attributes in Faculty and School Learning and Teaching Plans, paying close attention to the knowledge and personal and professional skills and capacities to engage in internationalisation.

Heads of Schools (or their delegates) are required to:

1. (i)

   ensure that each subject outline includes among the subject objectives and intended student outcomes the graduate attributes that are to be taught or fostered in the subject, and

2. (ii)

   ensure that assessment practices accurately reflect subject objectives and intended student outcomes, especially assessment practices demonstrating the achievement of graduate attributes.

University subject coordinators and teachers are expected to:

1. (i)

   state explicitly in each subject outline among the subject objectives and intended student outcomes the graduate attributes that are to be taught and fostered in the subject, and

2. (ii)

   inform students about the particular graduate attributes being taught and fostered in learning activities such as; a lecture, tutorial, laboratory session, production of a creative work, or use of a learning resource, and inform students how the achievement of each graduate attributes is being assessed, for example by assignment, creative work, laboratory report, test or examination.

Generic skills to be taught

Literacy and Numeracy

• the ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully,

• the ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively,

• the ability to generate, calculate, interpret and communicate numerical information in ways appropriate to a given discipline or discourse.

Information Literacy

• the ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies,

• the ability to evaluate that information,

• an understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information,

• the ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• the ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically,

• the ability to adapt knowledge to new situations,

• the ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends,

• the ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area.

Self Reliance and Interpersonal Understanding

• the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences,

• the ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams,

• the ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion,

• the ability to work individually and independently.

Using Tools and Technologies

• the ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies,

• the ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Learning Achievement

• the acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area,

• the ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner,

• the ability to manage future career and personal development.

Graduate Qualities to be fostered

• exemplary personal and professional moral and ethical standards,

• a commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development,

• an understanding of Indigenous Australian issues and cultures,

• an understanding of regional issues,

• a sense of professional, community and environmental responsibilities,

• willingness to contribute to the intellectual, cultural and social life of the regional, national and international communities.

Approval Details

Modification History