Andrew Middleton, Charmaine Myers and Graham Holden This presentation introduces the Venture Matrix scheme at Sheffield Hallam University, which has proven the value of developing applied learning methods in co-operation with schools and local businesses for over 10 years. Its central role is to develop real-world experience in the curriculum by introducing course leaders to civic ‘clients’ from schools and businesses in the region who can provide student groups with project briefs. Students address problems that matter by applying and developing their disciplinary knowledge and capabilities. It facilitates boundary crossing in which learning happens through a facilitation of mutually beneficial relationships. The Venture Matrix establishes a Third Space (Gutiérrez et al., 1999) by developing strong ties between civic partners and university students. Business ‘clients’ set learning problems for university students; students develop solutions; school pupils use the outcomes of student work. Each brings contextual factors that contribute to a rich immersive experience. We describe how this enhances learning and the development of student identities, and how it has inspired a large-scale integrated co-operative education model supporting student transition and success. Our question for participants is "Who owns learning the civic Third Space as the pupil becomes student and as the student becomes employer?" Reference Gutiérrez, K. D., Baquedano‐López, P., & Tejeda, C. (1999). Rethinking diversity: hybridity and hybrid language practices in the third space, Mind, Culture, and Activity, 6(4), 286-303, DOI: 10.1080/10749039909524733

1. Connecting the Curriculum
with Civic Opportunities
Andrew Middleton, Charmaine Myers & Graham Holden
Learning Enhancement & Academic Development
@andrewmid @venturematrix @GrahamJHolden

2. Venture Matrix - making connections
• Applied learning within the curriculum
• Real life work-related projects
Schh
Schools Organisations

3. Venture Matrix - an integrated approach
• Project briefs linked to learning
outcomes
• Development of professional identity
and capabilities
• Promote reflection and support
• Linked to module assessment from an
accredited part of their degree
• Integrated within existing modules -
not a bolt-on VM module

4. History
• 2007 - 13 modules
• 2017 - nearly 80 UG & PG modules
Venture Matrix - an integrated approach
Team
Academic Lead (1)
• Supports curriculum design and
development
Operational Staff (7)
• Build relationships with
organisations & schools
• Source discipline specific
authentic learning opportunities
• Design, support and manage
projects for students

5. Level 4 - 1st year UG
1 Client Brief 1
Module (17/18)
Students work in
Groups of 4/6
Level 5 - 2nd year UG
1 Client Brief 1
Group of 4/6 (17/18)
Level 6 - 3rd year
UG
1 Client Brief 1
Seminar (18/19)
Exposure & Engagement
Scaffold Support for Learners
Placement Year
Venture Matrix - curriculum transition
Learner GraduatePhysics - school
workshop
Physics - Manage
VM level 5 project
Dissertation focus
on placement orgs
Physics - possible
placement orgs
Becoming

6. Level 4 - 1st year UG students
MODULE
100+ students
1 client brief
Seminar 1
25 students
5 groups of 5
students
Seminar 2
25 students
5 groups of 5
students
Seminar 3
25 students
5 groups of 5
students
Seminar 4
25 students
5 groups of 5
students
School Event 1

7. Level 4 - Example
Business & IT students working on an
External Client Challenge in groups with
primary school pupils
Criminology students working on a
brief from SY Police engaging with
secondary school pupils

8. Level 5 - 2nd year UG students
MODULE
50 students
Client Brief 1
Student Group A
2-4 students
Client Brief 2
Student Group B
2-4 students
Client Brief 3
Student Group C
2-4 students

9. Level 5 - Example
Politics and Sociology students running
a debating club for local secondary
school
Digital Marketing students create
marketing strategy for external
business & charity clients

10. Level 6 - 3rd year UG students
MODULE
30-100 students
Seminar 1
Client A
25 students
5 groups of 5
students
Seminar 2
Client B
25 students
5 groups of 5
students
Seminar 3
Client C
25 students
5 groups of 5
students
Seminar 4
Client D
25 students
5 groups of 5
students

11. Level 6 - Example
International Business students complete
market research report & presentation -
Pixel Chocs
Business & Finance students work on
finance, funding & research - Rain
Rescue

12. Finding and creating spaces to extend the
reach of the Venture Matrix for beneficial
impact on all students
Challenge

13. Transition & Becoming
Challenging, inspiring and supporting every
student to value and engage in meaningful
activities that reach beyond a taught
experience
Third Place
Neutral
Leveller
Conversation
Accommodating
Accessible
Regulars and friendship
Unpretentious
A home from home
Oldenburg (1989)Gutiérrez et al. (1999)
Turner (1969)
Creating a Third Space

14. Level 4 - 1st year UG
1 Client Brief 1
Module (17/18)
Students work in
Groups of 4/6
Level 5 - 2nd year UG
1 Client Brief 1
Group of 4/6 (17/18)
Level 6 - 3rd year
UG
1 Client Brief 1
Seminar (18/19)
Exposure & Engagement
Scaffold Support for Learners
Placement Year
Venture Matrix - non-curriculum transition
Applied Learning Academic Interest Group
Learner Graduate
Becoming
Pre
Transition
In
From first
contact
Connected
Learning
Experience
Online
(CLEO)
Aspiration
statement
PPDPReview
PPDPReview
PPDPReview
PPDPReview
PPDPReview
PPDPReview
PPDPReview
PPDPReview
PPDPReview
Post
Transition
Out
Alumni
relationship
Connected
Learning
Experience
On-line
(CLEO)
Maintain
mentoring
role
PPDPReview
PPDPReview
Through
Peer
Mentoring
PPDPReview
PPDPReview