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Lessons learned from the first year of implementing Boundary Crossing and Personal Leadership in BSc Marine Sciences

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September 20, 2024

A new longitudinal course Boundary Crossing & Personal Leadership (BC&PL; ELS11303) was implemented last year in the BSc Marine Sciences. This course consists of a 3 ECTS core part in period 2 followed by individual assignments embedded in BMS courses throughout the year. These assignments were supported by tutor meetings (i.e., group meetings of approx. 10 students tutored by a lecturer or skills trainer).

Below we share some of our lessons learned:

  • Reflection on BC & PL Skills is feasible at the start of a bachelor.Inviting students at the start of their study to reflect on their BC&PL skills is not too early. Students appreciated the open discussions about developing BC&PL. Starting early, provides students the opportunity to become aware of these skills and to start developing them.
  • Students appreciate tutor meetings. Students learn a lot when they collectively reflect on BC&PL issues. Discussing and sharing issues results in a much richer outcome than an individual reflection assignment. A combination of individual assignments and tutor meetings is our preferred options.
  • Design assessment criteria collectively with students.In the course, students were asked to develop collectively assessment criteria to operationalise BC&PL. Next, they had to assess themselves on these criteria. This approach proved to be valuable for students and staff to make the abstract concepts of BC&PL tangible and personal.
  • A close and clear link to the study programme is needed. BC&PL should not be a separate part but clearly linked to the domain of a study programme.
  • A diverse group of tutors proved to be valuable.A diverse group of tutors (i.e., lecturers from chair groups involved in BMS and skills trainers) proved to be very useful. Lectures can link BC&PL to the domain of the study which is much appreciated by students, whereas skills trainers can share their expertise about facilitating personal growth and skills development.
  • Struggles with organisational issues. A longitudinal course is not supported by the Wageningen University educational systems. We faced struggles related to scheduling, assessment, and recognition of efforts put in the course by students and staff.

This year we will not only again implement the BC&PL assignments in year one, but also in second year BMS courses. Questions we still have are:

  • What is a proper moment to assess the BC&PL course? Right after period 2, or after one year?
  • What is a proper way to assess students' BC&PL competencies at the end of the bachelor? With an individual or group meeting with a tutor? With a workshop, a group or individual presentation? Or as part of a course or of the BSc thesis?

You can read more about the course in an earlier news item: Boundary Crossing & Personal Leadership Course in the new Bachelor Marine Sciences: The first round!

This news item is contributed by Karen Fortuin. For more information about this course and the Marine Sciences program, please contact karen.fortuin@wur.nl.