Journal Article

Academic's perceptions of work-integrated learning in non-vocational disciplines

Lloyd, Gabrielle A., Eady, Michelle J., O'Donnell, Nuala, Dean, Bonnie Amelia, West, Conor, Glover-Chambers, Tracey, Moroney, Tracey, Yanamandram, Venkata

2022

Overview

PurposeWork-integrated learning (WIL) is a strategy that enhances student learning and employability by engaging students in real-world settings, applications and practices. Through WIL, tertiary education institutions forge partnerships with industry to provide students with access to activities that will contribute to their career-readiness and personal growth. The purpose of the paper is to explore academics perceptions of WIL from non-vocational disciplines, where WIL opportunities are less prevalent.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative, case-study methodology to unpack academics' reflections on the question “What does WIL mean to you?” Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 subject coordinators across a number of non-vocational degrees at one university in Australia. Open coding and thematic analysis was used to explore qualitative data and identify common themes.FindingsData suggest that academics largely have placement-based understandings of WIL that cause tensions for embedding WIL meaningfully in their courses. Tensions surface when WIL is perceived as a pedagogy that contributes to the neoliberal agenda that sits in conflict with theoretical approaches and that restrict notions of career.Originality/valueAlthough WIL is not relevant in all subjects, these understandings are a useful starting point to introduce WIL meaningfully, in various ways and where appropriate, in order to provide students opportunities for learning and employability development. The paper has implications for faculty, professional learning and institutional strategies concerning WIL for all students.

• Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited,Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subject: Academic Achievement / Authenticity / Career Readiness / College campuses / College Faculty / Colleges & universities / Community Relations / Curricula / Deans / Educational Strategies / Employment / Employment Potential / Experiential Learning / Foreign Countries / Higher Education / Individual Characteristics / Inplant Programs / Integrated Activities / Intellectual Disciplines / Internship Programs / Job Skills / Knowledge Level / Learner Engagement / Learning / Learning Activities / Neoliberalism / Opportunities / Pedagogy / Practicums / Professional identity / Reflection / Relevance (Education) / Self Efficacy / Simulation / Students / Teacher Attitudes / Universities / Work Experience / Work Experience Programs