Work based learning

1. Work Based Learning
Work Based Learning as a Model for the Development of Employability
Skills in Applied Language Programmes at the University of Roehampton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Kcgn20nGQ&list=PLJbKt0RdZEcZLwgs539QFDg6I62QViW1
_&index=58
Jacqueline Page and Lourdes Melcion
Regent’s University London
5th June 2015

2. The first steps:
• Bilingual Volunteer training:
Wandsworth EMA Service
(The Lottery Fund)
Work Based Learning

3. Work Based Learning
The Transferable skills approach:
Sevice Learning Module
• Framework for HE Qualifications: requires degree
programmes in all subjects to have ‘transferable skills
necessary for employment’ :
• http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-
Education-Qualifications-08.pdf

4. Work Based Learning
Widening the Volunteering opportunities for the students
Collaboration with The Human Rights programme and the
‘Crucible’ project :
• BILINGUAL VOLUNTEER MENTOR for the 'Wandsworth Ethnic Minority
Achievement Service'
• INTERPRETER OR TRANSLATOR IN SPANISH for the 'Latin American
Disabled People's Project':
• BEFRIENDER for the 'Amigos Project (Refugee Arrivals Project)'
• The Latin American Association (Casa Latina)

5. Work Based Learning
Roehampton Community Action Showcase
• Institutional approval

6. Work Based Learning
Responding to changes :
from ‘Service Learning’
to ‘Work Based Learning’

7. Work Based Learning
How does it work?
20 credits (10 ECTS)= 200 hours workload for the
student includes:
• 100 hours in placement
• Class contact time (individual and group
tutorials,workshops, oral presentations
• https://moodle.roehampton.ac.uk/course
/view.php?id=1222

8. Work Based Learning
Learning Objectives:
• acquire improved skills in communication, presentation and interaction;
• gain the ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a
team;
• develop mediating skills and qualities of empathy;
• further develop their analytical and problem-solving skills;
• acquire the ability to work autonomously manifested in self-direction, self-
discipline and time-management;
• develop their intercultural competence;
• develop their ability to use language creatively and precisely for a range of
purposes and audiences;
• display the ability to summarise concisely their learning experience;
• acquire some of the skills needed to seek and secure gainful employment;
• gain an appreciation of how to make a workplace more environmentally
sustainable

9. Work Based Learning
Placements:
 Volunteering: includes NGOs
 Local Primary and Secondary Schools
 Organisations and Institucions; Museums, Embassies,
 Small Firms and agencies
 Media companies
 The University: language centre, Department, Library and International
Office (Cafe español; French society)
 Other: Students can also find their own placements through contacts
(Manic Hispanic event; Fis Sàhara; Film and Music Festivals ; RiL Student
Ambassador)
 Erasmus Language Assistant

10. Assessment:
Reflective Essay:
 What were your expectations?
 What have you learnt?
 What did you bring into the experience?
 What would have helped you to do it better?
 What would you do differently?
 Which of your modules/courses have helped you prepare for the
placement?
Oral Presentation
Log Book
Work Based Learning

11. Work Based Learning
What do students say?
Here are some examples of
student feedback:
Work based learning has helped me ...
• improve my communicative skills
• acquire confidence
• become more independent
• improve management and negotiating skills
• work as part of a team
• adapt to new environments
• to be more assertive
• use my own initiative and creativity
• become more responsible
• Understand my strengths and limitations ….

12. Work Based Learning
How about colleagues?
Some of the drawbacks:
• It requires a lot of dedication
• Not enough resources
• It takes up too much time
• You need contacts
But:
There is willingness to support the module ...

13. Work Based Learning
And finally....
• http://www.hecsu.ac.uk/assets/assets/documents/research_reports/Why_work_e
xperience_matters.pdf
• http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/CVProfiles.htm
• http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/job-interview/preparing-for-job-
interviews/how-should-i-approach-a-phone-interview/article.aspx
• http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/careerszone/cms/
• http://destinations.rus.roehampton.ac.uk/destinations/
• www.prospects.ac.uk
• www.work-experience.org
• http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/guides/internships-employers-guide.aspx
http://www.ion.icaew.com/ClientFiles/a42b9c80-6acd-4dca-980a-
bac45d9a324d/Interns%20booklet%206.pdf