Psychological attributes and work-integrated learning: an international study

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen T B Drysdale ◽  
Margaret L McBeath ◽  
Kristina Johansson ◽  
Sheri Dressler ◽  
Elena Zaitseva
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
International Study ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychological Attributes ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore – on an international level – the relationship between work-integrated learning (WIL) and several psychological attributes (i.e. hope, procrastination, self-concept, self-efficacy, motivation, and study skills) believed to be important for a successful transition to the labor market. Design/methodology/approach – A between-subjects design was used with participants in one of two groups: WIL and non-WIL. The design provided data on the effects of the independent variable (WIL) on a number of dependent variables (attributes) across four countries. Data were collected via an online survey and analyzed using a series of ANOVAs and MANOVAs. Findings – WIL and non-WIL students in the four countries shared several attributes – however – significant differences also emerged. WIL compared to non-WIL students compared reported stronger math and problem solving self-concepts, yet weaker effort regulation and perceived critical thinking skills. WIL students were more extrinsically motivated than their non-WIL peers in three of the four countries. Female students in WIL reported being the most anxious compared to other students. Research limitations/implications – Self-reports to measure psychological attributes and the small sample sizes at some of the institutions are limitations. Originality/value – The positive relationship between participation in WIL and several aspects of positive self-concept are provided. In addition, data are provided indicating that overall there are more similarities than differences between WIL and non-WIL students on a number of psychological outcomes. Data also suggests that females who participate in WIL may be at risk for anxiety problems.

Experiential learning in accounting work-integrated learning: a three-way partnership

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangeline Elijido-Ten ◽  
Louise Kloot
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Accounting Students ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Reviews ◽  
Medium Enterprise ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

Purpose – Work-integrated learning (WIL) helps improve the work readiness of accounting graduates. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role played by large and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) employers in providing experiential learning opportunities to accounting students in an Australian higher education context. Design/methodology/approach – Case-study data for this research were collected from the case university’s processes, semi-structured in-depth interviews with employer representatives and online survey with WIL students. Findings – The analysis reveals that both SMEs and large firms provide good training opportunities that enhance the student’s experiential learning particularly when proper WIL structures for pre-placement processes, training, supervision and performance reviews are in place. The results also confirm that WIL is seen as a positive experience by employers and students alike. Originality/value – There is a three-way partnership between the university, employers and students in a WIL contract. Calls for collaborative research involving all three parties have been made to enhance WIL programs. This study is a response to this call.

scholarly journals INVESTIGATING POST-WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL) EFFECTS ON MOTIVATION FOR LEARNING: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazril Izwar Ibrahim ◽  
Amar Hisham Jaaffar
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Psychological Attributes ◽  
Motivation For Learning ◽  
Technical Competencies ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is regarded as an important medium to assist development of student’s relevant technical and non-technical competencies, knowledge and psychological attributes that can enhance their employability and learning outcomes. This study examines the relationship between the outcomes of WIL programs such as thinking and communication skills, self-efficacy and motivation for learning of 383 undergraduate in business degree from four Malaysian public universities who have participated on various WIL programs. Results show that student’s motivation for learning is affected by student’s thinking skills and mediated by student’s self-efficacy. Interestingly, student’s communication skills only influenced motivation for learning through the self-efficacy. The findings provide a valuables insight into the limited research pertaining to the sequel of the outcomes of WIL programs such as student’s competencies, psychological attributes and specific learning outcomes. Keywords: Work-Integrated Learning; Motivation for Learning; Self-Efficacy; Thinking Skills; Communication Skills.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle A. Lloyd ◽  
Bonnie Amelia Dean ◽  
Michelle J. Eady ◽  
Conor West ◽  
Venkata Yanamandram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Learning ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

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.

When things go wrong: the implications for facilitators of work integrated learning placements in international destinations

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Agnew ◽  
Elizabeth Abery ◽  
Sam Schulz ◽  
Shane Pill
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Labor ◽  
Critical Incidents ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Integrated Learning ◽  
Staff Wellbeing ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

PurposeInternational work integrated learning (iWIL) placements for university students are widely promoted within universities. However, they cannot be offered and sustained without a great deal of time and effort; most commonly the responsibility of an assigned university facilitator. Preparation and support are essential for a positive student experience and iWIL outcome. However, not all experiences and outcomes are positive, or predictable.Design/methodology/approachPersonal vignettes of university iWIL facilitators are used to create a collaborative autoethnography (CAE) of experiences and outcomes where placements have been affected by unexpected or unprecedented “critical incidents” and the impact incurred on these academics. The vignettes are analyzed according to the Pitard (2016) six-step structural analysis model.FindingsAnalysis of the vignettes identifies a resulting workload cost, emotional labor and effect on staff wellbeing. Due to the responsibility and expectations of the position, these incidents placed the university iWIL facilitator in a position of vulnerability, stress, added workload and emotional labor that cannot be compared to other academic teaching roles.Practical implicationsIt is intended through the use of “real life” stories presented in the vignettes, to elicit consideration and recognition of the role of the iWIL facilitator when dealing with “the negatives” and “bring to light” management and support strategies needed.Originality/valueResearch is scant on iWIL supervisor experience and management of “critical incidents”, therefore this paper adds to the literature in an area previously overlooked.

Persistent anchoring to default rates when electing 401(k) contributions

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-104
Author(s):  
Bryan Foltice ◽  
Priscilla A. Arling ◽  
Jill E. Kirby ◽  
Kegan Saajasto
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
College Level ◽  
Contribution Rate ◽  
Enrollment Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Default Rates ◽  
Default Rate

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the 401(k) auto-enrollment rate influences the size of elected contribution rates in defined contribution plans for new, young enrollees. Design/methodology/approach The authors survey 324 undergraduate students at a mid-sized Midwestern university, and compare the elected contribution rates for two groups who were randomly given two default rates: 3 and 15 percent. Findings The results indicate widespread evidence of the anchoring and adjusting heuristic in regards to the provided auto-enrollment rate, as the 3 percent default rate group selects a contribution rate of approximately 2 percent less than the group that was provided with the 15 percent default rate. The results also provide support to the benefits of financial education: those who were taking or had already taken a college-level finance course provide higher contribution rates by about 1.7 percent overall. Additionally, individuals with the lowest critical thinking skills elect approximately 2 percent less in annual contributions overall than those who demonstrate higher critical thinking skills. Originality/value Interestingly, all groups seem to be susceptible to the anchoring and adjustment heuristic, as the default rate plays a significant role in the elected contribution rate, regardless of an individual’s financial sophistication or critical thinking skill level. The authors hope that these findings prompt benefit plan administrators and policy-makers to reconsider default rates in their retirement plans that would allow for maximum savings and participation rates. The findings also speak in favor of developing programs that would assist enrollees with financial education and critical thinking skills that would yield better retirement savings decisions when asked to make their employee benefit selections.

Customer acceptance of ride-hailing in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nabil Almunawar ◽  
Muhammad Anshari ◽  
Syamimi Ariff Lim
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Adoption Studies ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Broadband Wireless ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Acceptance ◽  
Use Of Technology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the enabling factors and the customers’ acceptance of ride-hailing in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopt some constructs from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) 2 as the framework for the study to derive factors that influence the acceptance of ride-hailing in Indonesia. Samples through a convenience sampling method were collected from an online survey and were transformed into data through coding and subsequently processed using SPSS for descriptive analysis, reliability test, correlation and multiple regression analysis for hypothesis testing. Findings Ride-hailing started in 2015 in Indonesia. Five enabling factors make digital ride-hailing possible, the internet, smartphone, broadband wireless network, digital map and global positioning system. The authors found that performance expectancy, social influence and habit positively influence customers to accept ride-hailing in Indonesia. Research limitations/implications Although this research has a small sample, it is still relevant to understand people’s acceptance to the ride-hailing platform. As a ride-hailing platform is now transformed to a multisided markets platform, adoption studies or other studies on each market to cover the whole picture of the platform influence to the society, and its contribution to the national economy will be very interesting. The authors’ future research will cover various services covered by ride-hailing companies. Originality/value This study proposes and argues that four main enabling factors make digital ride-hailing a viable business. The study contributes to three significant factors that influence the acceptance of ride-hailing in Indonesia.

Employers’ perception of employability skills among built-environment graduates

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 847-864
Author(s):  
John Aliu ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Employability Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Response Rate Data

Purpose Universities have become training centres or “academic hubs” where skilled labour for societal and global consumptions are continuously produced. More so, the quality of teaching (pedagogy) provided by universities is essential in enhancing the skills, expertise and competencies of students who are required to meet the needs of the construction industry after graduation. Hence, the purpose of this study is to assess employers’ level of satisfaction with the employability skills of built-environment graduates in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was adopted for this study with close-ended questionnaires administered to respondents drawn from professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. Out of 150 questionnaires disseminated, 131 were completed and 126 were usable, signifying an 87% response rate. Data from this research were analysed using descriptive and exploratory factor analysis. Findings Employers are seemingly satisfied with the sound academic record of built-environment graduates. They also affirmed their contentment with graduates’ willingness to learn and the way they achieve tasks with positive results. However, they expressed their dissatisfaction with the graduates’ prior work experience, communication skills and technical competencies in handling industry tasks effectively. Research limitations/implications Data was collected from construction professions across two cities – Abuja and Lagos. Because of the limited budget allocated for this study, other regions were not considered. Because of time and financial implications, it was extremely impossible to visit all 36 states. It is, therefore, impossible to generalise the results of this research to the larger population. In generalising the results on a larger scale, the study would have to factor in a more diverse sample to ensure it is more representative. A more diverse sample may mitigate any possible bias that may arise from a self-administered questionnaire. Practical implications From the survey results obtained from the respondents, it was observed that general knowledge about local and global trends, management skills, teamwork skills, work experience, communication skills, critical thinking skills, numeracy skills and civic responsibility are among the major non-academic skills lacking among built-environment graduates. This places significant pressures on universities in Nigeria to revisit and revamp its curricula in developing these skills among students who require them to thrive in the construction industry. Originality/value Although the subject of employability has been adequately discussed across various fields (accountancy, psychology, management, business, marketing, etc.), there exist limited research studies in the built-environment context, a gap, which this study aims to fill. This study also provides several approaches through which employability skills can be developed.

Work integrated learning internships in transnational education

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Bilsland ◽  
Leanne Carter ◽  
Leigh N. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Theory Approach ◽  
Transnational Education ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Stakeholder ◽  
Employment Transitions ◽  
Stakeholder Perspectives ◽  
University Support ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

Purpose Research into employability initiatives such as work integrated learning (WIL) in transnational education (TNE) is scarce, and the alumni voice in TNE is largely unreported. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to TNE research by investigating the value of internship electives in the TNE campus location. Design/methodology/approach A grounded theory approach employed semi-structured interviews with local business undergraduate alumni in Vietnam. Findings Internships were instrumental to local graduate employment transitions. University support of WIL internships was a valuable differentiator in the Vietnamese university context, where internships lack formal support mechanisms. Alumni regarded internships as transformational learning journeys, rather than simply as pathways to post-graduate jobs. Research limitations/implications The scope of the study was Vietnam. Findings imply the importance of incorporating local stakeholder perspectives into TNE, particularly regarding WIL. Practical implications Universities that operate in transnational environments must meet local stakeholder needs by providing authentic, industry-related learning activities. The findings support the integration of WIL internships into TNE programmes in Vietnam and further research relevant to other TNE contexts. Originality/value The study contributes to underdeveloped TNE research around employability in general, and more specifically about the particular value of internships in TNE campus locations. Alumni stakeholders constitute uniquely valuable feedback sources based on their shared experience as TNE students, interns and graduate employees in local work environments. Their insights enable universities to facilitate locally relevant learning outcomes.

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