Intensive Work-Integrated Learning

This week I would like to share SoTL research and suggestions for enhancing Intensive Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). The paper is entitled, “Intensive WIL: The benefits and challenges of condensed and compressed WIL experiences.” by Winchester-Seeto, et al. (2024). From the abstract, “WIL is a well-established educational strategy with acknowledged benefits for student learning and employability. The paper explores and documents Intensive WIL, where students undertake short or condensed WIL experiences, ranging from 35 to 400 hours. Four case studies from different universities, designed for different purposes, using either placement or project approaches, and with different student cohorts, showcase the flexibility and adaptability of this model of WIL. Drawing on existing quality frameworks developed for WIL, a new, dedicated set of quality indicators was developed to evaluate examples of intensive WIL. The study confirms that given the right conditions, and used for the right purposes, Intensive WIL delivers quality experiences for students.”

The authors identified the following quality indicators for WIL:

1. Intentionally designed to promote learning; 

2. Meaningful engagement is realized in workplace activity, and with their own learning;  

3. Workplace supervisors provide quality supervision, coaching, and mentoring; 

4. University provides quality supervision, support and guidance, and feedback; 

5. Workplace supervisors and university staff engage in regular communication. 

6. Preparation for learning in the workplace is scaffolded for capability and development;

7. Students develop the means to make sense through reflection, debriefing, and shared experiences; 

8. Flexible and authentic assessment opportunities support students to identify, evidence, and articulate professional capabilities; 

9. Needs of all students are accommodated; and

10. Collaborative evaluation of the experience is undertaken. 

Further, the authors identify benefits and challenges of WIL:

Benefits:

• Authentic projects and work-related tasks/assessments

• Opportunities for interaction and collaboration

• Learners can reflect on professional development gaps

• Learners can explore diverse employment options within an industry

• Flexibility in format

• Outcomes include solutions for real-world problems for partners and e-portfolios

• High student motivation and engagement 

• Prompts rethinking of traditional teaching and learning approaches

• Development of new skills, confidence, and agency informed by partner input 

• Provision of safe, supportive environment for students to experiment with new ideas

Challenges:

• Translation of collaborative and interactive learning activities

• Engaging students in online environments

• Ensuring assessment instructions are clear

• Student confidence to negotiate effectively with partners

• Flexibility required to integrate teaching and assessment from diverse disciplines

• Logistics of timetabling and administrative requirements

• Tension between industry needs and academic protocols

• Finding appropriate projects with the right scope and complexity

• Ensuring students have the required skills to collaborate

References

Winchester-Seeto, T. M., Ferns, S. J., Lucas, P., Piggott, L., & Rowe, A. (2024). Intensive Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): The benefits and challenges of condensed and compressed WIL experiences. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.53761/1.21.2.06