Work-Based Learning Defined

Did you know?
The average job in America now lasts only 3.6 years. The world of work has changed dramatically in the last 25 years. Consequently, 21st century students need additional skills, knowledge, and resources to negotiate their more problematic career journeys. Adding career discussions and activities to your courses will not only provide your students with important information and data, but add significant and meaningful learning experiences and outcomes. Career Self-Management in the New World of Work cites compelling data and six key qualities needed for 21st century success. Our journey begins here!

Try This:
Many things a student needs to learn are learned best within the environment of work. Work-based Learning (WBL) is the experiential component of a student’s education. It is the process of linking the classroom with the workplace, so a student has an opportunity to directly connect with the workplace. It allows a student an opportunity to sample, explore, and develop skills necessary to be successful in a work environment. Utilizing a set of WBL strategies including workplace visits, informational interviews, job shadowing, internships, coaches, mentor programs, and service learning projects, students get a better idea of the expectations, dynamics, and changes in the 21st century workplace. This diagram, from Teach NET, outlines some of the different WBL experiences. As we continue through this series, we will provide information and links on how to incorporate some of these experiences into your course.

Quik Quote:
It is not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.
Charles Darwin