Aaron Harris, a dedicated educator at East Kent College, is leveraging innovative methods to enhance student learning. By integrating competition-based learning and benchmarking assessments into the curriculum, Harris has created a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
One of the key resources Aaron Harris has incorporated into his teaching is benchmarking assessments. For example, he downloaded a braking task for automotive students from the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab, which replicates real-life scenarios they may encounter in a professional garage.
“I use this task because it helps students understand what a real-life braking task would be like in a garage. It’s time-based but also effective and quality-controlled,” Harris explains.
This approach not only provides students with hands-on experience but also prepares them for the practical demands of the industry, ensuring they gain both competence and confidence in performing real-world tasks.
Harris has recently embraced competition-based learning as a way to enhance curriculum delivery and assessment methods. His students participated in a WorldSkills UK competition, introducing a novel way of learning and self-improvement.
“It has worked really well with my students. They really enjoyed the competition and are already looking forward to our next one. They could clearly see the benefits of competition-based learning,” Harris shares.
Competition-based learning aligns closely with industry standards. Harris emphasises that the tasks used in the competition mirrored real-life scenarios, including customer requests and time management.
“These tasks were real-life scenarios, down to roughly how long you would have to complete a task and report back,” he says.
This alignment ensures that students are not only learning theoretical concepts but also gaining insights into the practical realities of their future careers, bridging the gap between education and industry expectations.
When asked about the impact of competition-based learning on students, Harris notes that this approach inspires learners to go beyond formal instruction, striving for excellence and mastery. He adds that it has positively affected students’ motivation and engagement, with achievement rates improving and learners more eager to participate in lessons.
Reflecting on the success of integrating competition-based learning into his teaching, Harris shares his delight:
“My students loved doing the competition. They could really see the benefit of it and how we are trying to implement real-life scenarios to the industry-relevant skills they have learned in the workshop. They have now set their standards and expectations high as a group and are looking to improve on their scores for the next benchmarking assessment. I couldn’t be more pleased as their tutor to hear this.”
Aaron Harris’s innovative approach at East Kent College demonstrates the transformative power of competition-based learning. By combining benchmarking assessments with industry-aligned, real-life scenarios, he has inspired students to aim high, boosting their engagement, motivation, and achievement.
Through his efforts, Harris sets a benchmark for other educators to follow—ensuring students are not only prepared for final assessments but also equipped with the skills and mindset needed to excel in their future careers.
Visit the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab and discover practical tools to enhance student learning.
