STLR

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1. What is STLR?
STLR (Student Transformation Learning Record - pronounced ‘Stellar’) is an exciting new
learning initiative which allows students to gain formal recognition for learning experiences
gained inside and outside the classroom. Some examples include: customised CAs, campus
events, part-time working and/or volunteering.
2. Why is STLR beneficial for students?
Employers today need employees with well-developed ‘soft’ skills. Some examples
include: ‘Coachability’- the ability to take feedback and act on it; the ability to work
effectively in multi-cultural teams; the ability to be a ‘self-starter’ – control your own
learning to be able solve complex problems. Current academic scripts do not highlight or
acknowledge any achievements in these areas even though they are the very skills that
employers are seeking! STLR provides YOU with opportunities to sharpen these skills and
provides an official transcript verifying their achievement which YOU can show to
prospective employers thus differentiating yourself from other candidates.
3. What fundamental idea underpins the STLR concept?
At the heart of STLR is the notion of Transformative Learning (TL). Put simply,
transformative learning requires reflection (or thinking) about experiences you may have
had and/or as part of completion of customised CAs designed to encourage you to reflect.
An example might be you reflecting on a situation where a student is regularly late for
meetings to complete team CAs with fellow students. Reflecting on this you might realise
that this is causing annoyance in the team. This in turn results in a break-down of trust. You
then realise that teams cannot work effectively if the members do not trust each other. You
then start to think about what actions you (and/or other students) need to take to ensure
trust is maintained. This ‘cycle’ of thinking deeply about issues and/or experiences and then
deciding on/executing some action(s) which may lead to permanent behaviour change is
key to transformative learning.
STLRTM for Students

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4. Is it possible to have different ‘levels’ of Transformative Learning?
Yes. The model being rolled out in TU Dublin Blanchardstown recognises three:
Exposure – student was exposed to a new concept e.g. by attending a talk
Integration – student reflects and has a changed worldview and begins to
integrate it to other situations
Transformation – student is evidencing changed behaviour and a complete
transformation
5. Does STLR categorise ‘soft’ skills?
Yes. The TU Dublin Blanchardstown STLR model has five ‘competencies’ to help
develop these soft skills:
.g.
6. How can I start gaining STLR recognition?
7. Where can I get more information
You can mail the STLR team at STLR@itb.ie. Also, you will have been enrolled on
a new STLR Moodle site. Check your list of Moodle sites. There is extensive
information available there as well as a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
Health & Wellbeing Competence.
being resilient and looking out for
others so that for example, stress
levels are managed.
Leadership & Teamwork
Competence. being able
to influence others
effectively
Global Culture
Competence. being
able to handle
human differences
Research & Innovation
Competence Building. being able to
research, think critically and
problem solve effectively
Civic Knowledge Skills
and Experience
Competence.
effectively achieving a
civic aim to help the
1. Lecturer-
supplied
customised CAs
3. Student-initiated e.g.
based on work
experience/volunteering
2. Participating in
on-campus events
e.g. Pathways, Peer
Mentoring, others
STLR Recognition (trackable online)
STLRTM for Students