Introducing a new model for PhD training
Knowledge- and skills-intensive roles such as data analytics and human computer interaction design are on the rise thanks to technological advancements and globalisation, among other factors. This is driving changes in the sectoral structure and increasing demand for new types of skills in society. Yet, higher education is not evolving at the same pace, resulting in a lack of new skill sets needed to meet societal and professional needs. Addressing this is the EU-funded CHAMELEONS project. “We aimed to develop new and innovative educational interventions to improve the learning experience offered by higher education with the intention of shaping more adaptable, entrepreneurial and employable doctoral graduates in the area of connected health, ready to meet the challenges of the future,” explains Tara Cusack, project coordinator.
Developing the State of the Art Tool Kit
The project conducted a systematic review and two surveys, one of doctoral students and the other of faculty who develop doctoral programmes. This was done to determine the gap in what is currently available to doctoral graduates in terms of interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international doctoral education and what is actually needed. “The systematic review identified two clear needs at the student level including the development of transferable skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, planning, organisation, management, and problem solving and the creation of formal and informal networking opportunities,” outlines Cusack. Results of the review and survey informed the development of the State of the Art Tool Kit that offers a multitude of useful resources for doctoral/postdoctoral students. “It is freely available via the CHAMELEONS website (when you sign in using a Gmail account) and provides valuable resources readily available to students,” notes Cusack.
Broadening the skills of PhD graduates
The results of the systematic review and surveys also informed a series of World Café co-design workshops – a participatory method for collecting qualitative data. “Through the workshops, three interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international modules were designed with the collaboration of various stakeholders,” reports Cusack. The three modules are: Module one: Forging relationships - Building and Sustaining your Doctoral Network; Module two: Managing the Project - Keeping on Track with an Eye to the future; and Module three: Starting your Career - Future Proofing your Career and Getting a Job. The modules are five European credit transfer and accumulation system credits each. The modules were delivered to 15 students recruited from each of the five universities in the project. The students were all undertaking doctoral studies loosely linked to connected health. “Feedback on the modules showed that there is clearly a need for modules and courses that focus specifically on the development of transferable skills and networking opportunities,” reports Cusack. Analysis of the workshop results also revealed four learning outcomes. “On successful completion of the modules, the students would be able to develop networking and communication skills, understand ethical user-centred research design, market their research capacity and research skills, and lastly build an understanding of themselves and others,” highlights Cusack.
Serving society in productive ways
Project work has led to a new model for PhD training. This can help increase employment possibilities for PhD graduates who pursue careers in academia or outside academia, where they can serve the needs of society. CHAMELEONS also provides a model that can be transferred to other European training programmes. “As part of the third module the students designed board games which illustrated the ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ of navigating the PhD journey. The games have since been prototyped,” concludes Cusack.
Keywords
CHAMELEONS, doctoral, skills, PhD, interdisciplinary, intersectoral, international, academia, employability, postdoctoral