SIG: Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

Dr Patrick Keleher
Convenor

Purpose 

At CQUniversity there is a diversity of models established with an emphasis on Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. These extend across a wide range of disciplines with an emphasis on providing authentic learning experiences. As an institution we are world-class innovators and practitioners of Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning.

Strategic Deliverables

The strategic deliverables of the Work Integrated Learning Special Interest Group (WIL SIG) is to:

• Share experiences, promote and facilitate academic discourse of aspects relating to Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning.
• Facilitate opportunities for new and continuing collaborative research groups to harness our expertise and experience to further our research footprint and support staff in attracting research grants. 
• Promote acknowledgement of CQUniversity as an international innovator and leader in the field of engaging learners in Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning, as evidenced by our adoption of diverse teaching and learning approaches and delivery mechanisms and technologies.
• Facilitate opportunities for new and continuing national and international relationships, with partner universities and industries, to initiate and consolidate these partnerships for promoting and conducting innovative learner engagement practices in the field of Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning.

Research into the innovative and multiplicities of approaches adopted for Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning programs offered by CQUniversity serves to facilitate the successful outcome of the CQUniversity's 2010-2013 strategic goals of

• attracting more ‘students through academic offerings which are flexible, adaptable and responsive to the needs of our students, communities and future employers'.
• providing ‘a stimulating learning environment that promotes learner engagement, is supported by appropriate technology, infrastructure and services and which helps all students realise their unique potential. CQUniversity will also have a reputation for producing workplace ready successful graduates'.

 and also contributes to the strategic directions for learning and teaching by establishing, supporting and enhancing:

• authentic learning as per the Learning and Teaching Framework of CQUniversity: Continuing the Conversation (Muldoon, Tickle, Taylor, and Viljoen, 2009).
  

Members

WIL currently has 32 Members (Last updated April 2011)

WIL SIG Member meetings are held fortnightly. For more information please see the LTERC calendar or contact Dr Patrick Keleher.

Aditional Detail

Action Plan/Actions
An initial priority will be to undertake an audit of the current undergraduate and postgraduate program offerings incorporating Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning to ascertain the diversity of approaches practised at CQUniversity. This process of centrally documenting the diversity of approaches will have three distinct beneficial outcomes:

a) facilitate a common understanding of the extent of the Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning practices adopted.
b) commence the process of ascertaining how collaborative research projects may be established.
c) consolidate the recognition of CQUniversity as an innovative Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning innovator.

This audit is independent of any proposal to centralise administration or to promote any one model of Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning.

Research Foci
Andragogical Theoretical Frameworks
Authentic learning
Authentic assessment
Best practice/Next practice - rhetoric and reality
Communities of Practice
Cross-discipline, multi-discipline and trans-disciplinary practices
Emerging aspects of Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning practice
Exploring alternative perspectives - eg. Futures Studies
Exploring differing perspectives of work readiness
Implementation of varying models of Work Integrated Learning/Practice Based Learning practice
Industry-university engagement
Integrating technologies into teaching and learning models/approaches/delivery modes 
Landscapes of Practice
Mastering ‘hard' and ‘soft' skills
Mastering graduate attributes
Mentoring
Mode 2 knowledge production
Our staff as learners
Pedagogical Theoretical Frameworks
Practicalities and realities - learning for the real world
Quality Assurance
Real world/workplace experiences: ‘work-life' cf. ‘work-like' experiences
Reflective Practice
Virtual Environments

CQUniNews
Network event has strong Work-Integrated Learning flavour, published 24th March 2011