Abstract:

The aim of the Erasmus research project “WBLQUAL – An Approach to Qualification Through Negotiated Work Based Learning for the EU” is to produce a more effective way of improving skills and behaviours of employees through the use of academic work-based learning (WBL) programmes.

This position paper examines some theories of WBL, establishes the current state of WBL in the UK and compares it with practice in one UK higher education institution (HEI), drawing generalised conclusions. This research forms part of the WBLQUAL project in the UK. It examines the literature on WBL, integrates the findings and formulates best practice for communicating the benefits of WBL to learners, employers and HEIs.

The research is complete. A literature review identifies some efforts to promote WBL in the UK. HEI and employer engagement in WBL are discussed. Results are compared with the researchers’ experience of WBL programmes in a UK HEI.
A general set of recommendations are produced. Practice is compared with theory and implications for WBL in HEIs are examined. Conclusions are drawn and suggestions are made for further research and improvements in practice that can be applied generally.

References:
An Approach to Qualifications through Negotiated Work Based Learning for the EU
Project Number: 510022-LLP-1-2010-1-UK-ERASMUS-ECUE.
The European Higher Education Area in 2012 (EACEA P9 Eurydice25 April 2012).
Modernisation of Higher Education in Europe: (EU - 16 September 2011).
Ahlgren, L. and Engel, L. (2011) Lifelong Learning through SMEs: Exploring workplace learning in the UK, Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 23(5). Emerald Group Publishing. Pp 331-348.
Boud, D. & Solomon, N. (Eds.): Work-based Learning. A New Higher Education? The Society for Research into Higher Education & Open University Press, 2001.
Nixon, I., Smith, K., Stafford, R. And Camm, S. (2006) Work-based learning: Illuminating the higher education landscape, Report, KSA partnership, Available at: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/ accessed 21/5/2012.

Keywords:

Work-based learning, Higher Education, competitiveness.