A Longitudinal Study on Changes in Students’ Perceptions of Employability: A Social-Psychology Perspective (Poster 35)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 1:45 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Workplace Learning Poster Session

Abstract

Employability is central to higher education’s mission and curriculum development. So far, the commonly used definition of the term comes from society and industrial expectations of talent. Few studies investigate students’ understanding of employability and what influenced their understanding. Grounded in the Field Theory, this research conducted two rounds of interviews during two-year intervals with 13 college students in a work-integrated learning program. The study found that, for students with higher critical reflection ability, the workplace acted as their habitus to understand social and industry norms. Habitus later impacted those students’ evaluation of personal capital and confidence in employment preparedness. The study offers valuable insights for HE policymakers and practitioners in curriculum design and pedagogical practice to enhance student employability.

Authors

• Hanlihui Ma, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University

• Qian Wang, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

• Gemma Wattret, University of Liverpool

• Jiyao Xun, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

• Xiaojun Zhang, Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University