Merged Study Guide

Lesson 1: Graduateness

Overview

• Introduction to graduateness at UNISA.

• Key topics include:

  • UNISA expectations of graduates.

  • CEMS framework: graduateness skills and attributes.

  • CEMS generic transferable meta-skills and personal attributes.

  • Critical reading skills.

  • Characteristics of a typical graduate.

• Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand graduateness and employability.

  • Describe distinctive graduate qualities required by UNISA.

  • Identify RARE (Responsible, Accountable, Relevant, Ethical) qualities of CEMS graduates.

  • Assess personal competencies as a graduate.

Prescribed Reading

• Study the provided material thoroughly, as there are no additional readings.

Distinctive Graduate Qualities at UNISA

1. Characteristics of UNISA Graduates:

   • Independence, resilience, responsibility, and compassion in roles across communities.

   • Critical understanding of the African continent's historical and future contexts.

   • Ability to evaluate the credibility of diverse information in a globalized environment.

   • Ethical and creative application of discipline-specific knowledge for real-life problem-solving.

   • Awareness of personal learning and development needs.

2. CEMS Aims:

   • Producing graduates who are accountable, relevant, and ethical citizens.

   • The focus on generic skills that support professional and community contributions.

CEMS Framework of Skills and Attributes

• Framework emphasizing transdisciplinary outcomes of university education:

  • Scholarship:

    • Leaders in producing new knowledge; ability to solve complex problems; confident communication.

  • Global Citizenship:

    • Aspiration to contribute ethically and responsibly to society.

  • Lifelong Learning:

    • Commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to changes.

Generic Transferable Meta-skills

1. Interactive Skills:

   • Effective communication using language and technology.

   • Ability to engage with diverse cultures and authority levels.

2. Problem-solving:

   • Creative approaches to complex or poorly defined issues.

3. Continuous Learning Orientation:

   • Openness to acquiring new skills, knowledge, and adaptability.

4. Enterprising Skills:

   • Initiative and critical thinking in economic activities, including team dynamics.

5. Presenting and Applying Information Skills:

   • Clear communication of ideas, solutions, and knowledge.

6. Goal-directed Behaviour:

   • Proactive development of plans and actions to meet objectives.

7. Ethical Behaviour:

   • Upholding professional moral codes and responsibilities.

8. Analytical Skills:

   • Logical reasoning and effective data analysis for insightful conclusions.

Enhancing Critical Reading Skills

• Critical reading involves evaluating what is read while recognizing limitations and arguments.

• Reflecting on:

  • What the text articulates: Note-taking and paraphrasing key points.

  • Understanding and articulating own examples based on the text.

  • Analyzing content for meaning by examining style, structure, and language.

Characteristics of a Typical Graduate

• Graduates are increasingly being evaluated on employability and perceived readiness for the job market.

• Importance of attributes beyond academic qualifications in securing employment.

Conclusion

• Recap: Understanding of graduateness entails a broader skill set and strength in local and global contexts.

• Continuous reflection on personal competencies and growth as one engages in various learning activities.