Much has been published about the range of work-integrated learning (WIL) options with regard to learning design within the South African context. However, many appear to cling to workplace learning (WPL), while complaining that there are not sufficient placement opportunities. [I maintain that while the advisory bodies of programmes at tertiary intuitions are not representative of the occupational field, such institutions cannot naively cling to workplace learning, but are obliged to seek alternative WIL options.] The Council on Higher Education (CHE) further stipulated a number of quality criteria pertaining WPL or work-based learning (WBL), which in turn entail availability of certain resource, matters that needed to have been considered at application stage to offer the qualification.
Project-based learning (PjBL), however, does not offer an easy alternative. Academic cannot merely 'convert' the WPL materials and suggest to students to 'find' their own opportunity/place to complete a project approximating the prerequisite WPL. Proper PjBL requires significant support from the occupational field, probably as much as what WPL would have.
Simulated work experiences (SWEs) are not a simple alternative either. The required virtual materials need to exist, or need to be made (requiring adequate budget). The necessary infrastructure, technology, access, networks and data are further issues that could stand in the way of SWEs.
I've put together a Download Proposed decision-making chart with regard to work-integrated learning (WIL) with the aforementioned in mind:
Comments