A Work-Integrated Learning Framework: the what, where and how of evaluating WIL

Karen Young; Sophie McKenzie; Jill Thomas

doi:10.21153/jtlge2024vol15no1art1986

Authors

Karen Young Deakin University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2764-4418
Sophie McKenzie Deakin University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5803-640X
Jill Thomas JA Thomas and Associates

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2024vol15no1art1986

Abstract

Through a case study at Deakin University, we present our approach for evaluating Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) during a pilot of a WIL Evaluation Framework (WEF). This paper focuses on our approaches and decisions relating to what, where and how to evaluate WIL, offering considerations for a sector-wide approach to WIL evaluation more generally. The findings from the pilot inform ongoing institution-specific WIL evaluation projects. We anticipate that our study will provide insight into the comprehensive processes involved in WIL evaluation, and the impact findings can make to inform WIL and employability strategies to supplement current sector-wide discussions on WIL indictors and measures of success for graduate outcomes.

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Author Biographies

Karen Young, Deakin University

Dr Karen Young is a Senior Lecturer (Academic Director in Work Integrated Learning), in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) at Deakin University, Australia. Karen has over 12 years of experience as a WIL leader and her work focuses on capacity building and curriculum interventions that enhance student employability. She draws upon her background in industry to provide an authentic-lens to WIL approaches in Australian Higher Education contexts. Karen is a Senior Fellow (SFHEA) who is committed to effective approaches to high quality student learning. Her publications and research interest, particularly in assessment design for scaffolded employability learning, contributes to understandings in the field of curriculum design and strategic development of embedded approaches to undergraduate WIL in Higher Education.
Sophie McKenzie , Deakin University

Sophie McKenzie is a Senior Lecturer in School of Information Technology in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment at Deakin University, as well as a Senior Fellow (SFHEA). She is passionate about supporting students in higher education to achieve their career goals. Her teaching and research intersect to explore ways in which we can support the student experience through career development, IT assisted learning and augmented and virtual reality. A key focus of Sophie’s teaching philosophy is developing professionalism and employability within the School of Information Technology by providing scaffolded and engaging learning experiences for students.
Jill Thomas, JA Thomas and Associates

Jill is a senior consultant evaluator and analyst with experience spanning international development, the health sector, research and higher education. Jill has significant experience in designing and implementing monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks, systems and projects to enable timely, credible and evidence-based solutions and decision making. Jill has a Masters of Evaluation, a Masters of Business Information Systems, and Bachelor of Education and is Chairperson of the Pathways Committee for the Australasian Evaluation Society.

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