Article 2024

Capability reconceptualized: Towards a landscape of practice approach in graduate employability

International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning
Journal · Vol. 25 · Issue 4 · pp. 603-617
Abstract

To understand graduate employability, this paper uses a landscape of practice (LofP) lens, and methods including narrative frames, observations, and interviews to interpret capability development and identity construction of learners in a work-based learning masters program. It argues that learners enhance employability, capabilities, and knowledge through mutual engagement in practices of their communities of practice (CofP). Furthermore, it showcases that this process is enacted through learners’ membership and negotiating boundaries of their community as they move from one community to another within their LofP. It then re-examines the definition of capability and argues that capability should be understood as a social construct through which individuals participate in the practices of their CofP and express knowledgeability of community norms and practices. It concludes that individuals build capabilities through a process involving problem solving, negotiation and learning, resilience, and reflection on their own and other members’ actions as they engage in interactions. © 2024 International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Graduate employability identity Landscape of practice capability socialization

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
University of Waikato, Hamilton, WKO, New Zealand
Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore City, Singapore
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
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Document Identifiers
  • EID 2-s2.0-105009342005
  • Language English