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Aalborg University MPBL - WBL Master in Problem Based Learning Single subject courses, spring 2007 Work Based Learning

Introduction

The single subject work-based learning (WBL) course within the Masters in Problem Based Learning (PBL) offers a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth insight into the theoretical and practical aspects of work-based learning. This exciting and stimulating course will enable you to make a valuable contribution to society by preparing you to educate the next generation of globally competent graduates and practitioners. The main objective of the WBL course is for participants to gain the competence to be innovative through the use of work-based learning methodologies and be able to develop practice which will lead to the continuous improvement and quality of education. Innovation in teaching will be based on WBL approaches and aimed at participants with diverse backgrounds and characteristics such as gender, class, age, and cultural background. Work-Based Learning WBL has become well established and has gained popularity all over the world but at the same time there is considerable lack of clarity with the concept. This course will allow participants to gain an understanding of various WBL models and their inherent advantages and disadvantages, as well as to support the development of the participants’ ideas for tailoring the models to their own institutions and on the basis of their own experiences. WBL is an approach to learning that has as its focus the practical utility of learning and is thus of direct relevance to learners in their work environment. This work environment can be interpreted widely as the paid workplace, the community environment or even the home environment. All of these areas relate to places where learning can be achieved through work, so a work-based learning approach recognises that learning can take place in a variety of situations and is therefore in no way restricted to that developed within the classroom or lecture theatre. This learning approach is ideally learner orientated to take account of student needs and preferences. Work-based learning is now well established as a practical and successful way of completing learning through the use of workplace environments and experiences. Continuous professional development As a single subject course from the Masters in Problem Based Learning it will support educators in both educational establishments and other organisations involved in training to develop their capability to set up and deliver work-based learning programmes within their own establishments Learning Outcomes On completion of the course the candidate will:  be able to take forward work-based learning as an off campus form of learning  be able to set up negotiated learning agreements for work-based learning  be able to effectively take forward the development of work-based programmes to suit a range of applications between the educational establishment and the organisation  have an in-depth understanding of the concept of prior experiential learning and reflective practice as part of the work-based learning process. Credits 3 ECTS-90 working hours The 3 ECTS will be awarded for successful completion of the assessment Content The course consists of the following sessions: 2

Session 1: To enable candidates to understand WBL theory and methodologies Content  Work-based learning theory  The differing concepts and methodologies of work-based learning.  The relationship of work-based learning to organisational learning, competencies, educational policy and negotiated learning.

Session 2: To enable candidates to understand the process of negotiated learning and learning agreements and to introduce the project Content  Negotiation as a learning tool  Types of work-based learning agreements: scope and rationale; content and specification.  Development of skills and competencies through work-based learning agreements  Factors affecting negotiation of learning agreements  Development and implementation of a practice-based project  Assessment of the work-based project

Session 3: To enable candidates to understand the theory and practice of prior Experiential Learning and the role of tacit and explicit knowledge bases in WBL Content  The concept of Experiential Learning  Assessment of Experiential Learning  Tacit knowledge and integration of tacit knowledge with codified explicit knowledge  Role of experiential learning in work-based learning

Session 4: To enable candidates to develop an understanding of the concepts and role of reflective practices in work-based learning Content  The theoretical underpinning of reflective practice  Reflection in work-based learning  Relationship of reflective practice to prior experiential learning  Reflective practice and a personal case study development  Assessing reflection: portfolios; assessment on demand; observation of practice; simulation and peer discussion

Session 5: To enable candidates to understand the nature and role of facilitation, mentoring and/or coaching in work-based learning Content  Facilitation, mentoring and coaching; the skills and the differences  Methodologies for facilitation, mentoring and coaching  The role of facilitator, mentor and coach in a learning agreement  Learning teams  The facilitation, mentoring and coaching of learning teams  The roles in the acceptance of change in the work-based learning environment  Organising development relationships such as coaching and mentoring for work-based learning and the role of the employer.

Session 6: To enable candidates to be able to facilitate development of work-based programmes 3

Content  The design and development of learning agreements at individual module/goal level  The design and development of learning agreements for a placement period in an organisation  The design and development of learning agreements for negotiated skills and competencies through a work-based study  The design and development of learning agreements for a fieldwork placement Course Organisation The course is organised as a distance teaching course through the use of web-based teaching and learning activities. This allows participation no matter where you are situated geographically. The course involves :  Study of on-line material and a recommended text book, supported by recommended reading.  Individual learning activities linked to exercises and a small project.

As a guide you can expect to spend around 5 hours on each on-line session and associated materials followed by work on selected assignments. You will be required to dedicate 15 hours to a project. Assessment In this course the participants who wish to be examined will be assessed by the submission of two pieces of coursework and a project. Each coursework will consist of a report of 1500 words (70% of the total mark) and a personal review of learning achieved of 500 words (30% of total mark). The project will consist of a report of 2000 words (70% of total mark) and a reflective review of learning achieved of 1000 words (30% of total mark).