Icing the Doctoral Cake 
11 November 2009
12.30pm
Venue: Postgraduate Studies, U Block, Room U101, Gate 4, 60 Epsom Avenue, Epsom.
David Beckett
Associate Professor in Education
Associate Dean (International), Melbourne School of Graduate Research
Assistant Dean (Research Training), Melbourne Graduate School of Education
The University of Melbourne
In 2009, The University of Melbourne introduced a new Graduate Certificate in Advanced Learning and Leadership, as academic enrichment for its 4800 doctoral students. About 24 students, from most faculties of the University, made up the first cohort. The GCALL consists of two subjects: Ethical Leadership, and the Futures Project - see: http://www.gradresearch.unimelb.edu.au/programs/GCALL/
In the context of the University reforms known as the ‘Melbourne Model, why did we do this? How did the GCALL unfold? What have we learned? As an adult educator involved in teaching both of these subjects, I offer an analysis of them, and responses to these questions, from the perspective of current debates on generic skills, professional formation and pedagogical innovation, especially assessment, drawing upon conceptual work emerging from recent research (note: knowledge of the following publications is not assumed in those who attend the seminar).
- Beckett, D. & Hager, P. (2002) Life, Work and Learning: Practice in postmodernity. (Routledge, London).
- Beckett, D. & Mulcahy, D. (2006) Constructing Professionals’ Employabilities: Conditions for accomplishment, in: P. Hager and S. Holland (eds) Graduate Attributes, Learning and Employability. (Springer, The Netherlands).
- Beckett, D. (2009) Holistic Competence: Putting judgements first, in: K. Illeris (ed.) International Perspectives on Competence Development. (Routledge, London).
- Beckett, D. (2009 in review) Reclaiming the Tacit: ‘Understanding’ by Doing. Paper for Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia Annual Conference, Hawaii, Dec 3-7 2009.
Associate Professor Beckett is also the external examiner for the Doctor of Education Confirmation Seminars at the same location 9.00am – 5.00pm, 12 and 13 November 2009.
For information on either event contact k.shalley@auckland.ac.nz or phone +64 9 623 8870.
