GlobCom
Authentic learning for tomorrow’s communication professionals
Authentic learning
The GlobCom experience provides ALL Curtin PR students with exposure to an international communication environment, thereby enabling them to develop skills that are much sought after by future employers and extremely relevant in an increasingly multi-cultural, interconnected society. Past students have reported how their GlobCom experience has enabled them to develop their networks and personal contacts for life, as well as have been able to boost their employability by building their (virtual) portfolios.
The GlobCom Project directly responds to Curtin’s emphasis on the “triple i” curriculum, specifically industry (graduate employability) and intercultural and international (global citizenship) graduate attributes. Students work for a real client (the client brief is delivered via the web and follow up Q&A sessions are facilitated in a teleconference format) in cross cultural and diverse international virtual teams.
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The learning outcomes explicitly reinforce Curtin’s graduate attributes, specifically
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Thinking skills (use analytical skills to solve problems);
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Information skills (confidence to investigate new ideas);
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International perspective (value the perspectives of others);
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Cultural understanding (value the perspectives of others);
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Professional skills (work independently and as a team; plan own work);
...as well as Curtin Business School’s emphasis on applied learning, industry connectedness, real life relevance and a global focus.
“We develop globally-minded, career-capable graduates and advance responsible, evidence-based business and legal practices through innovation in education, research and engagement.”
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The deep integration of the GlobCom learning experience "adds value" to Curtin's students "academic credentials". We believe that our involvement in GlobCom sets our PR students, Academic staff and the Curtin PR major apart from other (Australian based) communication programs by equipping our graduates with not only discipline specific knowledge, but much sought after professional skills. This belief is based on insights grained through our research into the Project's learning outcomes, which found that:
“Once respondents further unpacked the actual learning outcomes, the emphasis shifted away from discipline-specific knowledge and insights to (higher level) soft and professional skills, such as listening skills, tolerance, conflict resolution and diplomacy – as well as a better understanding of the key ingredients of successful teamwork, and especially leadership. Respondents’ feedback on the GlobCom project and its learning outcomes therefore corresponded with Petrie’s (2014) observations in regards to the skills needed to succeed in today’s increasingly complex, uncertain and rapidly changing environments”
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(K. Wolf, & Archer, C. J., 2016, p.8).
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Participants in our longitudinal study reported:
“I learnt the most about team dynamics and the importance of good communication and organisation.”
“(I learned) how to manage time zones and conduct meeting. Working in team with whom you never even seen before was tough but thanks to social network and advanced technology it made our lives easy.
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"I have learned so much while participating in GlobCom2012, everything wouldn't fit in one page. I have learned to work with people from different cultures, improved my diplomatic skills, enhanced my time management skills, and grasped the key approaches to developing a PR campaign"
(2015 survey respondent)
Past real life clients include:
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INEOS, Unconventional Energy Sources
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Zeiss Vision Care & Carl Zeiss AG
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Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project
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WWF Malaysia
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The City of Stellenbosch, South Africa
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AGEDI: "Keeping an Eye on Earth" Summit
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Airbus
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Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation
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Delegates from team five and their industry mentor, meeting for the first time in person at the 2018 GlobCom Symposium in Bangkok
"As global team leader, I really learned a lot of things. Managing and having to do with international team members is an amazing and challenging experience: you learn many things from other cultures, and you learn the difficulties behind international relationships. It certainly is an experience to be proud of, and to put in your CV"
(2014 survey respondent)
“I learned to work in a team and to accommodate [sic] various people from different countries and time zones. I also learned new tools or communication programs to communicate with.”
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"I realized that I am more an organizer and leader than a "usual" team member. In general, I've learned a lot about managing (international) groups - which will me useful for future projects. Furthermore I've experienced different education systems and cultures."
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The GlobCom learning outcomes are supported by a multi-level assessment and feedback strategy, which ensure the Project is embedded in the PR curriculum in a deep and meaningful way.
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Learning opportunities like this are certainly not 'safe', especially as they take students beyond the classroom and their comfort zone, however, in return they provide students with unique benefits that prepare them for a career in a fast pace, rapidly changing industry.
The following two publications provide more first hand insight into and reflection on the learning outcomes of the GlobCom project, highlighting the development of employability skills:
Wolf, K., & Archer, C. (2016). Teaching strategic communication in precarious times: First-hand insights into a digital, global learning experience. PRism, 13(1). Available from:
https://www.prismjournal.org/uploads/1/2/5/6/125661607/v13-no1-a6.pdf
Wolf, K. and C. J. Archer. 2013. “Into the unknown: A critical reflection on a truly global learning experience”. Issues in Educational Research 23 (2): 299-315
(Author copy attached)
