scholarly journals Investigating the effectiveness of mentorship in Work Integrated Learning : a case study of Office Management and Technology students at DUT and MUT

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Sinokholo Victor Mtiki
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Policy Statement ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Technology Students ◽  
Office Management ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Work Integrated Learning ◽  
The University

Internationally, work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a required component of the National Diploma in Office Management and Technology. WIL is undertaken by undergraduate students with the participation of the academic coordinator from the university and a workplace mentor. Issues around mentorship appear to be one of the main challenges. Mentorship, in this study, is understood to involve an interaction or agreement between student, workplace mentor and university WIL coordinator. The problem identified was that this system is known to lack coordination and focus. The study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). This research employed mixed methods. The quantitative method involved a questionnaire designed to gather the experiences of a sample size of 90 students in all. Semi-structured interviews were also held with the WIL academic assessors from the two Universities, in order to allow them to open up about some sensitive issues. Online open-ended questions were designed and sent to workplace mentors. Similar questions were asked of all the stakeholders. The study concludes that WIL generally lacks sufficient interaction between stakeholders and that therefore the desired outcomes of mentorship are not fully met. While students were satisfied on the whole with the organizations they worked for, they were less happy with the support the universities were providing. The statistics from the students’ questionnaire indicate that not all students were visited while on WIL, while workplace mentors indicated that they are not provided with appropriate guidance from the universities. Electronic communicative support by the universities also proved to be insufficient, with many students indicated that they are not happy with this personal contact they experienced. Manpower and workload were found to be the main challenges faced by the universities in providing sufficient support. There is only one WIL academic assessor responsible for all the students on WIL in each of the universities. The research suggests that the university’s WIL coordinators should undertake a round of visits to companies before the WIL period and, if they have facilities appropriate for offering experiential learning tasks, then they could be formally accredited for this purpose. It is also suggested that the universities offer workplace mentors more formal guidance and an induction programme. There could also be a policy statement as to how many contacts should be made with the students while on WIL. A suggestion is also made that WIL should take place in the second year as well as the third and, if possible, that the WIL period should be extended. All stakeholders confirmed that mentorship plays a huge role in the effectiveness of WIL and that closer interaction between stakeholders would be beneficial.

Using sociocultural insights to enhance work-integrated learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Fleming ◽  
Neil J. Haigh
Keyword(s):  
Social Process ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Environment ◽  
The Social ◽  
Work Integrated Learning ◽  
The University

Purpose When learning in the workplace is conceptualised as a social process, different social or cultural features of workplaces may enable or constrain students’ learning. The purpose of this paper is to understand the views of students, workplace supervisors and university academics concerning sociocultural features that influenced work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. Design/methodology/approach An interpretive case-study methodology, incorporating questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was used to determine the views of stakeholders involved in WIL experiences in a sport undergraduate degree. Findings Students’ learning was enhanced when they participated in authentic activities, worked alongside colleagues and could assume increasing responsibility for roles they were given. Social experiences, interactions and activities provided them with opportunities to access individual, shared and tacit knowledge, to learn about language, processes and protocols for interacting and communicating with others, and to become aware of the culture of the workplace. When students successfully acquired this knowledge they were able to “take-on” the accepted characteristics and practices of the workplace community – an outcome that further enhanced their learning. Practical implications Students need to understand the social and cultural dimensions of how the work community practices before they begin WIL experiences. Practical ways of addressing this are suggested. Originality/value This paper conceptualises WIL as learning through the “practice of work communities” whereby through the activities of the community students can access knowledge in a way that may differ from what they are familiar with from their experiences within the university environment.

scholarly journals Analysing the preparedness of Office Management & Technology graduates for multitasking in the workplace

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kubheka Phumelele Precious
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Job Description ◽  
Technology Students ◽  
Office Management ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

A number of studies have been conducted in relation to the preparedness of students for the workplace and particularly the role of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in this preparation. However, fewer have specifically investigated the Office Management and Technology (OMT) student’s preparedness for multitasking in the workplace, and none have been found to investigate this within a South African University of Technology. The literature indicates that there are major causes for the increased use of multitasking1 in the business workplace: the nature of work, working environment and skills required from employees by organisations have now developed and expanded. The office administrator in today’s electronic office has to cope with a wide variety of electronic devices which often need to be used simultaneously and their work covers many more skills than were required in the past. Students with Office Management and Technology qualifications are now employed as office administrators, senior secretaries, and even as assistant managers. They are expected to have the ability to execute all duties that are within their job description and sometimes beyond their job description, and to be able to handle them within a limited time. Administrators who have multitasking skills are therefore preferred by employers and the literature shows that the multitasking skill is regarded as one of the most sought-after skills in the workplace. The purpose of this case study was therefore to investigate the preparedness of Office Management and Technology students for multitasking in the workplace. To achieve a complete analysis the study used a mixed methods approach involving three questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions, administered to 3rd year students who have had WIL experience; B Tech students /recent employees to provide Multitasking has been defined as the ability to undertake competently more than one task at the same time and multitasking success as ‘the ability to draw on a wide range of cognitive functions when acting to achieve multiple goals’ (Peterson, 2014:22). A different perspective of experience gained; as well as WIL Supervisors who have supervised OMT students while on WIL. Analysis of data revealed that students require additional knowledge before they go on WIL training to prepare them for multitasking, with a better understanding of the office environment. The study concluded that a curriculum upgrade is required involving increased use of practicals at undergraduate level, and that the universities need to work more closely with companies to determine what skills they require from Office Management and Technology students when they reach employment. The study recommends that the identified gaps should be addressed in order to improve students’ knowledge and to upgrade their skills in multitasking and in time management in order to improve their performance in the workplace.

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.

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.

scholarly journals The Utility and Value of The Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online Resource During Work-integrated learning: A mixed methods study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Preston ◽  
Cathy Chapple ◽  
Elizabeth Mayland ◽  
Louise Ada ◽  
Leigh Hale
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Video Footage ◽  
Online Resource ◽  
Work Integrated Learning ◽  
Physiotherapy Students

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the use and value of the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource during work-integrated learning in naïve physiotherapy students. Method: A mixed methods study design was used. Participants: Forty-four final year physiotherapy students participating in neurological work-integrated learning units of study participated in this study. Intervention: Students had access to the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource during their 6-week neurological work-integrated learning unit of study, which includes video footage and written information about 25 practical skills related to the physiotherapy management of stroke. Outcome Measures: Use of the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource was examined by recording the number of hits on the resource, the number of students who accessed it, the number of times each student accessed it, and the time it was accessed. Students’ perception of the value of the resource was explored through semi-structured interviews. Results: There were 46 hits on the resource, by 13 (30%) students during the neurological work-integrated learning unit of study. Ten students accessed the resource twice or more. Double the number of hits occurred outside of work hours compared with during work hours. Qualitative analysis revealed five themes regarding the low usage of the resource by students: content of the resource; learning style; learning behavior and expectations; technical issues; and practical issues. Conclusion: Use of the resource was low, with only a small number of students using the resource on a few occasions. Value of the resource could not be clearly established.

scholarly journals The Challenge of Providing Work-Integrated Learning for Law Students – the QUT Experience

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda Shirley ◽  
Iyla Davies ◽  
Tina Cockburn ◽  
Tracey Carver
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Virtual Work ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Law Students ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Current Policy ◽  
Effective Work ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Successful Work ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

This paper explores the elements necessary for a university to create an academic model for a successful work-integrated learning experience in light of the current policy imperatives of the higher education sector in Australia. It identifies some of the practical issues encountered in attempting to implement those models and hypothesises on what an effective work-integrated learning experience for undergraduate law students should look like taking into account the available research on students’ perceptions of engaging learning experiences. It culminates in the proposal of a Virtual Work Integrated Learning Project which is currently under design in the Faculty of Law at the Queensland University of Technology.

scholarly journals Tecnologias educativas no processo formativo: discurso dos acadêmicos de enfermagem

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
Marília Moreira Torres Gadelha ◽  
Isaura Carolina Brandão Bezerra ◽  
Jéssica Mayara Almeida Silva ◽  
Mayara Evangelista de Andrade ◽  
Marcelo Costa Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Educational Games ◽  
Educational Technologies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Technology Students ◽  
Innovative Method ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The University ◽  
Process Method

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the discourses of nursing students about educational technologies in the teaching-learning process. Method: this is a qualitative, descriptive study. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 nursing students, from November 2016 to January 2017. The statements were analyzed through Discourse Analysis, presenting them by means of a you speak Results: educational technologies were perceived as innovative method in teaching, having the most preponderant element related to ludic practices, a situation in which games were the most relevant examples to stimulate the student's learning. It is promoted, through the application of educational games, through the teachers, a sensitizing environment, in which learning by playing reflects, in academics, innovative and challenging motivation to study. Conclusion: the use of educational technologies in academic formation to the initiative, as well as to the interaction between teachers, students and the university itself is linked. It is observed that the playful is a way to construct the learning, in an interactive and sensitive way, favoring the critical formation of the nurse. Descritores: Health Education; Educational Technology; Students, Nursing; Nursing; Models, Educational; Play Therapy. RESUMOObjetivo: analisar os discursos dos acadêmicos de Enfermagem sobre as tecnologias educativas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Método: trata-se um estudo qualitativo, descritivo. Coletaram-se os dados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, com 16 acadêmicos de Enfermagem, no período de novembro de 2016 a janeiro de 2017. Analisaram-se os depoimentos por meio da Análise de Discurso, apresentando-os por meio de recorte dos registros das falas. Resultados: perceberam-se as tecnologias educativas enquanto método inovador no ensino, tendo o elemento mais preponderante relacionado às práticas lúdicas, situação esta em que os jogos foram os exemplos mais relevantes para estimular o aprendizado do discente. Promove-se, pela aplicação dos jogos educativos, por meio dos docentes, ambiente sensibilizador, no qual o aprender brincando reflete, nos acadêmicos, motivação inovadora e desafiadora de estudar. Conclusão: atrela-se o uso das tecnologias educativas na formação acadêmica à inciativa, bem como à interação entre docentes, discentes e à própria universidade. Observa-se que o lúdico é um caminho para construir o aprendizado, de maneira interativa e sensível, favorecendo a formação crítica do enfermeiro. Descritores: Educação em Saúde; Tecnologia Educacional; Estudantes de Enfermagem; Enfermagem; Modelos Educacionais; Ludoterapia. RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar los discursos de los académicos de Enfermería sobre las tecnologías educativas en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Método: se trata de un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo. Se recogen los datos por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas, con 16 académicos de Enfermería, en el período de noviembre de 2016 a enero de 2017. Se analizaron los testimonios por medio del Análisis de Discurso, presentándolos por medio de recorte de los registros de las conversaciones. Resultados: se percibió las tecnologías educativas como método innovador en la enseñanza, teniendo el elemento más preponderante relacionado a las prácticas lúdicas, situación en que los juegos fueron los ejemplos más relevantes para estimular el aprendizaje del alumnado. Se promueve, por la aplicación de los juegos educativos, por medio de los docentes, ambiente sensibilizador, en el cual el aprender jugando refleja, en los académicos, motivación innovadora y desafiante de estudiar. Conclusión: se atreve el uso de las tecnologías educativas en la formación académica a la iniciativa, así como a la interacción entre docentes, discentes y la propia universidad. Se observa que el lúdico es un camino para construir el aprendizaje, de manera interactiva y sensible, favoreciendo la formación crítica del enfermero. Descritores: Educación en Salud; Tecnología Educacional; Estudiantes de Enfermería; Enfermería; Modelos Educacionales; Ludoterapia. 

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