Green Gown Awards 2021: Tomorrow's Employees - University of Exeter - Finalist

Challenges Online - developing employability by solving wicked problems 

Grand Challenges has run since 2012 with undergraduates focussing on some of the most challenging problems humanity faces. Students select which global issue they want to address, covering a wide range of topics mapped to the SDGs, developing their employability in the process.

Challenges Online was developed in response to the COVID-19 global lockdown. It exceeded the energy and outputs of Grand Challenges, broadening its reach and reducing its environmental impact. In 2019-20 we had 362 undergraduates from 41 nations across 16 time zones. The programme enables students to develop their employability whilst working on wicked 21st Century problems in small interdisciplinary groups. This exposes them to different ways of thinking and working.

Our student-centred approach enables them to develop their employability in a safe environment with playful experimentation. Students take risks and learn from co-creation. They are motivated to make a difference and apply their knowledge, passion, and creativity.

Top 3 learnings:

1. Our students appreciate they make a huge impact on the world as their careers develop.
2. Our students are empowered by steering their learning, giving them power, motivation, aspirations, and skills.
3. Our academics are inspired by student-led projects and build confidence for change towards co-creation.

Videos

• Video #1 (click to hide)