Browsing by Author "Fleming J"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    An inclusive workplace framework: Principles and practices for work-integrated learning organizations
    (New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education, 2024-03-23) Hay K; Fleming J
    Work-integrated learning (WIL), as an educational approach, is facilitated through relationships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and external ‘host’ organizations. Responsible host organizations should recognize that students undertaking WIL come from a range of different cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and have varying academic, physical, and other capabilities. An inclusive workplace will seek to facilitate a positive and rewarding experience for all WIL students. Recent WIL literature has seen a strong focus on inclusive access to WIL. This article examines key elements that can contribute to host organizations providing an inclusive environment for students. Socio-cultural theories related to learning in the workplace are used as a theoretical lens. An Inclusive WIL Workplace Framework is proposed, highlighting principles, practices, and supervisor and co-worker characteristics, that can be utilized by workplaces to assess their inclusivity and address any gaps, and by students to understand the expectations of HEIs on host organizations.
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    Keeping students safe: Understanding the risks for students undertaking work-integrated learning
    (Work-Integrated Learning New Zealand, 17/12/2021) Hay K; Fleming J
    Universities in New Zealand are increasingly focused on an employability and global citizenship agenda, leading to a proliferation of work-integrated learning (WIL) courses across diverse curriculum areas. WIL exposes students to authentic learning opportunities in a workplace. It is however an activity with inherent risks which may have significant consequences for students, universities and host organizations. This study drew on qualitative interpretive methodology to examine risks related to WIL at eight universities from the perspective of eighteen academic and professional staff. The findings indicate that significant risks for students undertaking WIL relate to the readiness and suitability of the student, the learning environment and student safety. A framework that outlines the responsibilities and conduct of students during WIL is presented. While it is acknowledged that all stakeholders are important in the WIL enterprise, it is the student experience that should be prioritized.
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    Strategies for managing risk in work-integrated learning: A New Zealand perspective
    (Work-Integrated Learning New Zealand, 17/12/2021) Fleming J; Hay K
    The immersion of students into a workplace environment, as part of a deliberate pedagogy for integrating theoretical and practical knowledge, is not without risk. In order to safely provide such work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities, the responsibility for managing these risks should be shared by all stakeholders. The purpose of this study was to explore strategies to manage different types of risks in WIL for students, host organizations and universities. Data was collected using an online survey, and interviews with university staff involved in WIL. Twenty-eight disciplines and a range of models of WIL from across the eight New Zealand universities were represented. Key strategies identified included: appropriate pre-placement preparation for students and hosts; clear contractual arrangements; good internal systems and resourcing (especially staff); and strong relationship management. Practical guidelines to help WIL stakeholders further develop their understanding and awareness of risk are presented.
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    Understanding the risks in work-integrated learning
    (New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education, 26/04/2021) Fleming J; Hay K
    Work-integrated learning (WIL) is an activity with inherent risks, different from those that occur with on-campus learning experiences. Risks associated with WIL may have serious financial, reputational and legal consequences for universities, WIL staff, students and host organizations. Using a mixed methods approach, this study examined how risk was defined and perceived by those involved in WIL, across eight New Zealand universities. Differences in understanding were examined and compared across disciplines and university roles. WIL staff perceived health and safety; conduct of students; student characteristics; conduct of the host organization (including exploitation and physical safety of students) as high risk. These factors were all linked to reputational risk for the university. WIL staff (both new and more experienced) need to have a clear understanding of the risks, so they can design risk management practices to help mitigate these risks for universities, students, host organizations, as well as themselves.