Response to Yasmin's Potential Exam Q

Hi Yaz,

Thank you for your very thorough response to my post. I have to admit, I struggled to answer this question. I accidentally read some of the wrong articles, which I think lead me down an alternate path to what was intended, haha :p

Anyway, in reply to your response, and also to your Q2 answer…

Unfortunately, my undergrad required us to rote learn the finer details of 1000’s of facts – everything from the classification of plants and insects, through to complex biochemistry. I will use the example of the Kreb’s Cycle as one that was once memorized in minute detail, but has long left my memory:

                                            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citric_acid_cycle

Thankfully, like you state, the important concepts remain (I hope!) That is, that cells produce energy in their mitochondria during aerobic respiration, with the resultant O2 à CO2 + H2O. It sounds like you have also committed several key concepts to memory and I find it fantastic that this unit gives you the opportunity to revisit these theories learnt in your undergrad. Moreover, seeing these from a different perspective, so you can build on your understanding. This reminds me of the previous topic’s reading by Herrington, J., Oliver, R. & Reeves, T.C. (2010). I personally hope never to have to revisit the infamous Kreb’s Cycle! Nevertheless, I completely agree with your view that the undergrad degree forms a framework for motivation, work ethic, autonomous learning etc.

I also agree with you regarding Lenka’s assertions. I find it interesting that one shortcoming in Social Work is technology competencies, especially considering the extensive work placements. Surely a lot of these competencies are addressed on these placements, as the workplace will be operating at current levels of expectations?

I am interested in Brigg’s new model of pedagogy - training people to think rather than just job skills. Has his approach been successful? Some of my readings have focused on a opposing approach – rather than just the higher educational aim of critical thinking, universities should also be focusing on “employability skills.”

Your Social Work practice sounds not too different to the vet course, with emphasis on full-time work placements out in the field, thus allowing learning with real-life clients, problems and solutions and workplace administration. Putting the students’ theory into practice under close guidance from experts, as well as the feedback and reflection opportunities endorsed, is absolutely invaluable. Many vet grads secure jobs through the networks formed during these placements as well. Having said that, one of the most valuable experiences many of us had throughout our undergrad is casual/part-time work as a vet nurse/medical receptionist. Yet despite this, a new grad’s first year out is always one of the hardest. We often hear that a supportive boss/mentor/team in your first job will make or break your experience as a vet, regardless of your knowledge and skills.

You inquired about the work placement required by a vet student. It is lengthy! In 2^nd and 3^rd year, our placements consisted of live-in farm pracs during each holiday or uni break (usually 1-2 weeks each place, totaling to several months). Then final years are required to also do several months worth of 1-2 week placements in different private practices, again over each holiday/study break. Additionally, during semester, they rotate and work through the uni teaching hospital departments (path laboratory, surgery, medicine, GP, equine etc.) plus zoo and uni farm. The equine rotation required us to sleep at uni to answer the after-hour phones and look after horse patients throughout the night, only calling on the vets to come into the clinic if we had a problem. There was a 2 weeks stay in Albany working with the Ag Department. There were many vet visits to farms. I spent one Christmas and New Year (overnight shifts) working in the Murdoch small animal emergency department between my 4^th and final year, because that is what is expected of an emergency vet. You can’t get more authentic than that, really!

One last point to make - in terms of hiring, not one single employer has ever asked to look at my grades or qualifications. I have secured more than one job on a casual telephone conversation alone, and have never had a formal interview. In one job where I worked locus shifts in over 20 clinics over the course of 2 years, every clinic was required to give detailed feedback to the regional manager to ensure I was adequately employable. It’s definitely an interesting industry...

Anyway, thanks again for your feedback on my exam question J

Julia