Prof Foster has worked in business schools and higher education in the UK, Europe and Far East for over 25 years. She successfully led strategic initiatives to enhance the student experience including enhanced transitions for mature and international students, and student-centred, work-based learning solutions for all undergraduate students.
She has championed innovation on programmes of study working with students as co-creators of the curriculum, and the development of Executive Education and CPD with businesses. Prof Foster was responsible for learning, teaching and assessment strategy, including international partnerships and quality assurance (Europe (Poland, Germany, Russia, Holland), Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore). She also has industry experience in the shipping industry setting up international training centres.
Co-creating enhanced transitions: Engaging students in developing online resources to improve student experience
Professor Monika Foster, CMBE PhD PFHEA, Head of Business and Management, University of Sunderland
Students in HE undergo many transitions, a transition into the university life, a transition to a new culture, from 'the known' into 'the unknown' in accommodation and lifestyle, a transition between different stages of their study and a transition to the world of graduate work or further study. Throughout this journey students can build their personal resilience and their social capital by acting as co-creators of their experience.
This talk will explore two areas of transition that is students transitioning from colleges to university 2nd or 3rd year of an undergraduate, 3-year programme, as well as international students transitioning into the university. Both groups must quickly adapt to a new learning environment and new expectations.
This talk is based on the study which explored the challenges of transition. The results suggest that these students engage with their peers and study in ways which put them outside the traditional university experience. Their focus on efficiency enables them to become independent learners at university, and an effective but instrumental part of the academic community.
Additionally, the talk is informed by the research for the forthcoming co-authored book on how we can capitalise on learner relationships they engage with during their study. The talk will argue that co-creation and building actively students' social capital can help prepare students with necessary skills to become sought after graduates.
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