WIL in the Curriculum
WIL can be incorporated into a curriculum in many and varied ways, from placements to simulated scenarios. The important measure of WIL in the curriculum is that it meets the University of Newcastle definition of WIL as well as meeting DEEWR's requirements for funding.
Below is a framework and a set of tools commonly used to incorporate WIL into your curriculum as well as to provide important support material for academic supervisors, students and WIL partners. The tools can be adapted for specific needs and built upon depending upon course requirements. It is also anticipated that this toolset will continue growing as University of Newcastle incorporates WIL more broadly and deeply and as more resources are developed and shared.
A useful synopsis of Work Integrated Learning and Curricula is available as a Podcast of Prof. Lee Harvey's 2008 presentation to Swinburne University entitled "Professional Skills; Designing Learning in and for the Workplace".
Learning Contracts
Learning contracts are a useful tool to manage student and WIL partner expectations. Ideally they should follow the SMART principles for goal setting. That is each learning outcome is:
S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Agreed upon
R - Relevant
T - Timeline Specified
(adapted from Boak, G. (1998). A Complete Guide to Learning Contracts. Hampshire: Gower Publishing. P69)
The contract specifies what the student is expected to learn, what work they are expected to undertake during their studies, what is required to gain credit for this work and how the students learning will be assessed. However the format is easily adaptable to your course needs. This helps to ensure that the focus of the learning during the WIL phase is consistent with the aims of the course and focuses attention onto the strategy for learning as well as the learning goal.
Learning contracts may be developed as an exercise of negotiation between the course coordinator and the WIL supervisor on the bases of the proposed work-scenario or may be prescribed as common for all students within a course.
Common elements within a learning contract are:
Purpose: A statement to the purpose of the contract appropriate to the type of WIL to be undertaken as well as to the course and program of the student.
Learning Objectives: A list of the specific learning objectives to be assessed on conclusion of the WIL activity. These should not only include core theoretical learning outcomes but indirect learning outcomes such as leadership, time management, communication skills etc.
Strategies and Resources: This is a list of the references and tools students will be using to achieve their Purpose. E.g. literature reviews, client interviews, forms used for data collection etc.
Evidence of Accomplishment: What the student will be expected to produce at the end of their WIL studies, e.g. report, oral presentation, literature review.
Methods of Assessment: How each of these deliverables will be assessed and their relative weightings.
Additional Comments or Criterion: This may not be necessary but may be useful for the academic supervisor to provide some initial direction, comments or criticisms.
Student Support Services
Support services are available to students while undertaking WIL activities that are DEEWR funded. This means that the activity must be curriculum based, arranged, assessed and supervised by our staff. Visit the Student Support Services website for more information.
Careers Service
The University of Newcastle Careers Service aims to provide a comprehensive careers and employment service for students and graduates of the University of Newcastle. Services include:
- Assistance with career planning
- Assistance finding work
- Interview tips and practice sessions
- Resume and selection criteria assistance
University of Newcastle Health Service
The University Health Service on the Callaghan Campus is a fully accredited general practice staffed by doctors and nurses who understand the medical problems of students. The Health Service provides both emergency and routine medical care to all students. The Ourimbah Campus Health Service provides part time medical care for students. For students covered by Medicare, OSHC Worldcare, Medibank Private Overseas Student Health Cover there are usually out of pocket costs for consultations.
University of Newcastle Library
Students still have the right to use Library Services while undertaking WIL activities.
Counselling Service
The Counselling Service is available to students free of charge, on a confidential basis at each of the campuses of the University of Newcastle. Counselling Service staff are available to clarify and resolve a range of issues, which might otherwise interfere with academic or personal effectiveness.
