Policy Advice & Research - Work Based Learning in HE

There has been a steady trend in higher education to inculcate WBL into a range of degrees, as the recognition has grown of the value of graduates who are well prepared for the transition to work. However, previous research has indicated that the scope and quality of work based learning varies widely. Also university academics have often reacted with caution and suspicion at the introduction of WBL into the curriculum. The novel and innovative nature of work-based learning requires that non-traditional means have had to be found for assessing it, such as approaches that meet the sometimes differing needs of learners, employers and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The Work Based Learning Final Report can be found here

This research project aims are to :

• Scope the range and methodologies applied in the use of work-based learning by HE providers of engineering degrees;
• Identify appropriate criteria for judging the effectiveness of work-based learning;
• Evaluate the overall effectiveness of work-based learning strategies in engineering programmes; and
• Identify some examples of good practice.

Therefore the proposed structure for this research is therefore based on three main lines of enquiry:

1. To scope a representative sample of university engineering departments and identify the level and extent to which they employ WBL strategies in the teaching and learning process;
2. Using established criteria, to provide a general evaluation of the WBL activity, highlighting where significant shortcomings occur and also areas of good practice;
3. To identify the role of employers in the WBL strategies and provide some best practice examples of successful employer engagement.