Amplifying the value of the third space to support strategic curriculum change

Authors

  • Annie Yonkers Kingston University
  • Hilary Wason Kingston University

Keywords:

third space, curriculum change, staff development, institutional change

Abstract

This case study presents how we at Kingston University have expanded our collaborative ‘third space’ to support the delivery of an ambitious blueprint of skills development in the curriculum. In 2022, Kingston embarked on an ambitious journey to roll out a progressive model of education through a new strategic initiative embedding personal and professional development for all undergraduate students as a core element of their course. This strategy was developed as a threefold response to an evolving education landscape in the UK. First, drawing on Kingston’s ‘Future Skills’ research on skills and the economy to influence at a sector level (Kingston University, 2023). Second, as a response to the updated OfS conditions of registration (specifically the B3 conditions). Third, to enhance our existing commitment to equitable and inclusive support for students.

To enable the ambition of our institutional approach, we recognised the importance of ensuring colleagues across the institution felt visible and involved as we implemented this programme at pace. Through a deliberate curriculum and staff development project to accelerate and amplify wider staff understanding and confidence, we have successfully built upon and modelled the value of the third space for the benefit of both students and staff. We discuss how the scale of structural change involved with its delivery amplified our existing ways of working; it challenged us to upscale our approach and legitimise different forms of knowledge from both staff and students from different parts of the university

Author Biographies

Annie Yonkers, Kingston University

Annie Yonkers, Future Skills Employability Manager. In her role, Annie supports the implementation and delivery of personal and professional development within the curriculum across the university. Her research interests are in inclusive pedagogy, creative pedagogy, and the development and articulation of self through reflective, practical, and dialogic learning.

Hilary Wason, Kingston University

Hilary Wason, Head of Curriculum Development and Enhancement. Hilary provides course design support for course teams who are validating and revalidating their programmes, ongoing enhancement of learning, teaching, and assessment practice, and continuous professional development. Her research interests are in critical thinking pedagogies, dialogic teaching, continuous professional development, and curriculum development.

References

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Published

30-01-2025

How to Cite

Yonkers, A. and Wason, H. (2025) “Amplifying the value of the third space to support strategic curriculum change”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (33). Available at: https://journal.aldinhe.ac.uk/index.php/jldhe/article/view/1220 (Accessed: 12 February 2025).

Issue

No. 33 (2025): Special Edition, Third Space In HE

Section

Leadership, influence and credibility

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Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education

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