Learning in undergraduate work placement programmes

El Amoud, Lyndsey and Buckley, Joan (2011) Learning in undergraduate work placement programmes. [Conference Proceedings]

Abstract

Paisey (2009) relatively little research has been carried out in this domain. This paper explores the state of non-clinical placement programmes in third level institutes in Ireland. It presents the results of the first comprehensive survey of placement in Irish. The survey reveals the scale and scope of work placement programmes in undergraduate courses in Ireland. With more than three hundred courses incorporated into this survey, it is one of the most wide-ranging studies to ever have been conducted in this field.This paper’s discussion will present contextual information on the number of third level students involved in placement programmes across the country and the types of courses in Irish HEIs (by level and discipline) which include a work placement element in their core structure. It will also identify the accreditation and assessment methods employed for such programmes by Irish HEIs. It presents several of the key obstacles facing undergraduate work placement programmes and their managers as a result of the current changes in the global economic environment. One of the key questions both practically and pedagogically is the nature of alternatives when placements in industry cannot be secured (Smith et al 2007).In examining work placement programmes in Irish HEIs, this paper will draw on international comparators. In particular it will examine internship programmes in HEIs in the United States, drawing on the learning of institutions who have been engaged in this area for a considerable period of time. Finally, this paper will demonstrate how this form of engagement between education and industry can be mutually beneficial for all key stakeholders involved in work placement programmes, including employers, HEIs and third level students (Richardson and Blakeney 1998). The wide range of benefits - in particular benefits to teaching and learning - which placement programmes can generate for each of these stakeholders will be analysed using comparative data from stakeholder interviews and testimonials.

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