Advantages
A focus on practical research and/or industry partnerships gives students an opportunity to apply theory, research and creative skills in a variety of professional contexts beyond the classroom (as well as experience work integrated learning practices). Student-led projects allow individuals to pursue their own research interests through personalised learning pedagogies. In WRIT2613 this has been observed to cultivate student engagement and agency, often supporting improved student outcomes in terms of experience and calibre of work generated. This technique produces output that may contribute to students' professional portfolios (thus enhancing potential employability) and engages with a variety of modalities relevant to cross-disciplinary audiences (making it highly transferable technique).
Challenges
Some students require guidance selecting a topic. This is solved for by providing some broader categories (from which to develop a topic), or industry partners whom are seeking students for project -based work experience. This can be a time intensive assessment for staff (as they are required to regularly consult with individual students and industry partners), but highly valuable in terms of generating publishable output and building professional networks (for students and staff alike).
Tips for implementation
Marking can be complicated when dealing with multiple submission modalities. Rigorous marking criteria need to be established with this in mind to allow for continuity and fairness in grading.
How it supports academic integrity
This technique may deter academic misconduct by focusing on empirical research and industry partnership (difficult tasks to outsource); and emphasises academic integrity through work integrated learning opportunity.