Support and resources
A variety of internal and external resources are available to support staff developing and implementing Learning in the Workplace and Community.
On this page:
Introducing LiWC at VU
- Professor Greg Baxter LiWC vodcast
- Work, career and future ready students at VU
- Learning, work and career development intranet site
Policies, procedures and guidelines
Guidelines for LiWC in simulated workplace environments
Steps for embedding LiWC into courses and units
Student assessment and progress policy
Graduate capabilities policy and resources
Elements of good practice in LiWC
RPL information and askVU answers
Operational support
This link provides easy access to information about learning agreements; insurance; OH&S; privacy and confidentiality; intellectual property; discrimination and harassment and police checks.
Preparing students for LiWC activities
The 'Online Preparation' program consists of five modules developed to help students get the most out of any LiWC activity. It includes information to assist them research industries, professions and specific organisations; prepare and plan for the prescribed LiWC activity and reflect on the actual experience.
VU research literature
Leoni Russell, Judie Kay, and Rachel Standfield (2010). Realising the vision: Implementing learning in the workplace and community at Victoria University (VU).
International conference on work integrated learning university-industry collaboration for real life education, Hong Kong 2010 Ed. World association of cooperative education.
http://www.waceinc.org/conferencepapers.html.
Leoni Russell, Cuong Nguyen, Andreas Wyder and Simon Avenell (2010) Costing learning in the workplace and community at Victoria University: the outcomes and challenges.
Proceedings of the Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN) National Forum 2010 Ed. ACEN website.
http://www.acen.edu.au/conferences/archive/ACEN-2010-Proceedings.pdf
Leoni Russell, Rachel Standfield and Judie Kay (2010), Looking back whilst moving forward - implementing Learning in the Workplace and Community (LiWC) at Victoria University.
Proceedings of the ACEN National Conference 2010 Ed. Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN), ACEN website.
http://www.acen.edu.au/conferences/archive/ACEN-2010-Proceedings.pdf
Standfield, R. (2009). LiWC and International Students
This discussion paper considers a range of issues regarding the impact of LiWC activities on international students, who are studying either onshore or offshore, in implementing Learning in the Workplace and Community (LiWC).
This is a draft of a research study which sought to improve our understanding of host organisations' perceptions and experience of LiWC.
Orrell, J. (2009). The Value of Learning in the Workplace and Community.
This paper was written to inform discussion about the value and opportunities arising from embedding Learning in the Workplace and Community (LiWC) in all VU courses. It was designed to provide an introduction to the body of research which underpins LiWC, both in terms of teaching theory and practice. It outlines the learning and development opportunities LiWC presents to both students and teachers, and the potential benefits it offers industry and community groups. It also identifies, and attempts to provide assistance in overcoming, some of the challenges to the implementation of LiWC, including developing and articulating authentic learning outcomes, providing authentic learning and assessment opportunities, supporting learning, and evaluating progress and outcomes.
The Diamond Innovations showcases examples of innovative learning and teaching practices at Victoria University that emerged from consultations and research by Professor Don Aitkin and Dr John Mitchell. The Diamond Database is an interactive site designed to allow you to find relevant examples of innovative teaching practice at VU that you may find helpful towards your own teaching practices.
This paper reports the findings of a survey on the extent of use of learning in the workplace at in both HE and TAFE at VU in 2005, the models in use, the educational design of the activities, the management of the activities, preparation before the activities, support during the activities, assessment approaches and methods of evaluation used.
Milne, L., Gabb, R. & Leihy, P. (2008) Good Practice in Service Learning.
This report is based on a literature review, as well as case studies of successful Service Learning (SL) programs in North America. It details the potential benefits and challenges of SL in the context of good practice and the support required to achieve it. It also offers some comments on VU's LiWC policy.
Keating, S. (2006). Learning in the workplace: a literature review.
This examines the literature on learning in the workplace (LiW) in both the higher education and VET sectors. It explores the benefits of using learning in the workplace activities in educational programs and uses current concepts of learning in and through work to develop a set of principles for good practice.
This explores how Australian Universities are presently conceiving WIL and attempts to draw some connections to Career Development Learning. Finally, this paper discusses some of the key challenges universities face in extending WIL provision to all fields of education.
This paper looks at current literature around work-based education through the question: How can workplaces be places of learning? That is, how can they be sites that help produce graduates with learning attributes that are attuned and responsive to a flexible world of change, complexity and contingency?
McLennan, B. (2008). Putting Learning to Work at VU
This explores VU's approach as a multi-sectoral institution (providing further, vocational and higher education) at implementing a university-wide learning in the workplace approach that aims to go beyond the 'placement model' to putting this approach to learning in the centre of our teaching and learning and making LiWC integral part of our engagement with our local and global communities.
Bellucci, E., Tan, G. & Venables, A. (2009) The impact of Learning in the Workplace Policy on Differing ICT Degrees
Broadbent, R. & Papadopoulos, T. (2009). Community Education and Youth Mentoring ; How to Build Good Practice? Australian Journal of Adult Learning.
Faux, J. & Woodley, C. (TBC). Contextualising Professional Knowledge and Skills: Integrating the Postgraduate Accounting Curriculum.
Newell F. (2008). The Healthy Multicultural School Canteen : A Site for Adult Learning.
Woodley, C. (2009). Developing Graduate Capabilities in the Business Curriculum: Perspectives from International Students Studying in Australia
Additional literature
Evaluating the quality of work integrated learning curricula: a comprehensive framework Calvin Smith
Pedagogy for employability Ann Pegg, Jeff Waldock, Sonia Hendy-Isaac, Ruth Lawton
Engaging Industry: Embedding Professional Learning in the Business Curriculum
Billett, S.(2012) Guidelines for practice: Integrating practice-based experiences
Patrick, C., Peach, D. & Pocknee, C. (2009). The WIL Report: A National Scoping Study
This report provides an account of the first large-scale scoping study of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in contemporary Australian higher education. The explicit aim of the project was to identify issues and map a broad and growing picture of WIL across Australia and to identify ways of improving the student learning experience in relation to WIL. The project was undertaken in response to high levels of interest in WIL, which is seen by universities both as a valid pedagogy and as a means to respond to demands by employers for work-ready graduates, and demands by students for employable knowledge and skills.
Wilson, J. (ED) (2009). A Good Practice Guide for Placement and other Work-Based Learning Opportunities in Higher Education. ASET.
Kift, S. (2009) Enhancing Student Transition and Engagement: A Transition Pedagogy for Curriculum Design and Renewal. ATLC Senior Fellow. QUT
Little, B. & Harvey, L. (2006). Learning Through Workplacements and Beyond, The Higher Education Academy UK.
Moreland, N. (2004) Learning and Employability - Work-related Learning. The Higher Education Academy UK.
Orrell, J. (2004) "Work-integrated Learning Programmes: Management and Educational Quality." Flinders University, SA
Scoullar, R., & CIRM Graduate Employability Working Group (2008). Guidelines for good practice in work integrated learning for the integrated resources sciences. Coorparoo, QLD, Consortium for Integrated Resource Management (CIRM)
Universities Australia (2008). A National Internship Scheme: Enhancing the skills and work-readiness of Australian university graduates. Position Paper No.3/08. Deakin, ACT, Universities Australia.
Harvey, L., Geall, V. & Moon, S. (1998). Work Experience: Expanding opportunities for undergraduates. Birmingham, Centre for Research into Quality, Birmingham City University.
Martin, E. (1997). The effectiveness of different models of work-based university education. Evaluations and Investigations Program. Canberra, Higher Education Division, Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs.
Journals
Journal of Higher Education: Skills and Work Based Learning
Journal of Higher Education Research & Development
Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education
Professional organisations
Australian Collaborative Educational Network (ACEN)
ACEN is a network of practitioners and researchers from higher education institutions, industry and government involved in work integrated learning (WIL) in Australia. Collaborative Education currently exists in various forms including internships, cooperative education, work placements, community based learning, clinical rotations and sandwich year. ACEN provides peer support and opportunities to share good practice in collaborative education on a national level with associated international links
Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC)
The ALTC is dedicated to improving the student learning experience by supporting quality teaching and practice in higher education. They work with higher education institutions, discipline groups and individuals as a collaborative and supportive partner in change, providing access to a network of knowledge, ideas and people.
Australian Universities Quality Agency (AQUA)
AUQA is the principal national quality assurance agency in higher education, with responsibility for quality audits of higher education institutions and accreditation authorities, reporting on performance and outcomes, assisting in quality enhancement, advising on quality assurance; for the benefit of Australian higher education. The Good Practice Database is a useful resource for examples of high-quality practice in the Australian higher education sector.
Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA)
AVETRA is Australia's only national, independent association for research in vocational education and training, brings together research stakeholders and researchers from the TAFE, university, industry and government sectors.
Education Network Australia (EdNA)
EdNA is a network of Australian educational resources, that houses and links to thousands of resources in Australia and overseas, and fosters collaboration and communication amongst and between the education sectors (VE, FE & HE), through communication links and information sharing.
National Centre for Vocational and Educational Research (NCVER)
NCVER is a not-for-profit company owned by the Commonwealth, state and territory ministers responsible for training. It is responsible for collecting, managing, analysing, evaluating and communicating research and statistics about vocational education and training (VET).
The Academy is an independent UK-based organisation which supports the higher education sector in providing the best possible learning experience for students. They do this by working with individual academics giving them access to professional recognition, advice and support, as well as providing networking and development opportunities to enhance their teaching practices. They also provide leadership in developing and disseminating evidence-informed practice about enhancing the student learning experience.
The Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA)
HERDSA is a scholarly society for people committed to the advancement of higher and tertiary education. It promotes the development of higher education policy, practice and the study of teaching and learning.
World Association for Cooperative Education (WACE)
WACE is an international organisation devoted to promoting Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and is a useful resource. WIL combines professional work experiences with classroom studies in many forms including: research; internships; study abroad; service learning; student teaching; clinical rotations; community service; industry attachments; cooperative education and professional work placements.
Sessions from the World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE) Conference 2011.
Papers from the 2010 WACE Conference - University-Industry Collaboration for Real Life Education.
Universities
Good Practice Guide: Work integrated Learning (WIL)
Teaching and Learning at Flinders
Examples of good practice at VU
This short list of examples of LiWC at VU includes vignettes of the 'Maths in Motion' program; the 'Sudanese Swim' program and the 'Music Mentoring' project.
This link provides an explanation of various LiWC activities and corresponding case studies for projects in a workplace; practicum/placement; apprenticeship/traineeship; cooperative education; projects in a learner's workplace and enterprise learning.
LiWC Video Clip - Career Ready, Community Minded - available soon
Program from the Learning Matters Symposium in December 2009
The diamond innovations showcase
This showcases examples of innovative learning and teaching practices at Victoria University that emerged from consultations and research by Professor Don Aitkin and Dr John Mitchell and includes the concept of The Diamond Model.
In 2009 Teaching & Learning made funds available for educational development grants to support improved practice in teaching and learning.
In 2009 Teaching & Learning made funds available for international educational development grants to support improved practice in teaching and learning.
Workshops
Simulated Learning Environments as LiWC - workshop notes by Friederika Kaider
Implementing LiWC & PBL in Civil Engineering - workshop notes by Dr. Srikanth Venkatesan (SRI)
From work-related learning to LiWC - workshop notes by Friederika Kaider
Examples of good practice - external
The ACEN website also has a range of vignettes showcasing good practice from across Australia. Examples include:
- Exercise science field project - Griffith University (Exercise Science)
- Field placements in human services - Griffith University (Human Services & Social Work)
- Internships in advertising, marketing and public relations - QUT (Business)
- Virtual placement project - QUT (Law)
Self assessments for DEWAR's employability skills
- LinkUp employability skills from TAFE SA is a proven practical way for students to self assess and improve their employability skills/graduate capabilities.
Make an enquiry
Leoni Russell
LiWC project coordinator, curriculum innovation unit
Phone: +61 03 9919 8453
Mobile: +61 403 061 864
Email: Leoni.Russell@vu.edu.au