UNE Business School senior lecturer, Dr Theresa Smith-Ruig, piloted an experiential learning project for on-campus students in MM221 Human Resource Management this trimester.

The students were grouped into teams of four and allocated to a Human Resources Manager from UNE’s HR Services Directorate.

Each group worked with the HR Manager on a real life HR project that counted for 40% of their overall assessment for the unit. The four projects related to the provision of domestic violence leave for staff; the development of strategies for addressing mental health in the workplace; the evaluation of the Indigenous Employment Strategy; and the development of job descriptions for administrative positions. Each team presented their project to an audience of HR staff and fellow students last week.

The innovative approach to teaching was motivated by Theresa’s desire to empower her students by putting theory into practice through hands-on workplace experience. The opportunity significantly improved students’ soft skills in team work, communication, problem solving, and project management – all attributes that will enhance their employability after graduation.

“I think it is very important to embed as much real world experience into the curriculum in order to better prepare our students for the workplace,” Theresa said.

The project also demonstrated the high level collaboration possible between professional and academic staff on campus in delivering an outstanding student learning experience.

Students enjoyed working in groups and experiencing how a professional work group functions and contributes to the broader operations of the organization. As one student reflected:

“The experience of working in a team of four very different characters to create something meaningful was extremely valuable”.

Image: Emma Lockyer, Megan Bourke, Callum Hunter, Maryke Peet from HRS, and Tiara Lyon-Clark.