Abstract
AbstractThe focus of this paper is to present a case study where the incorporation of practice-based subjects, with work placement as core, has been implemented within undergraduate Business programs. The majority of Business programs in Australian universities encourage students to undertake work placement and internships as part of their course of study but few, if any, have these subjects as compulsory parts of the curriculum. Business employers have long recommended work placements to ensure graduates that are work ready (B-HERT 2002, Andrews & Higson 2008) and Mason et al. (2003) found structured work experience during a degree program had a highly positive influence on employability. It is unclear why formal workplace learning is not typically part of Business programs. Bines and Watson (1992) identified three models of workplace learning or practice education: the apprenticeship, the technocratic and the post-technocratic. Preliminary research shows that Business programs in Australia appear to be 'stuck' in the apprenticeship or technocratic models. This paper explores the development of three work placement subjects, which situate the student's learning and socialisation in their practice communities, as core subjects within the Business curricula at Charles Sturt University from 2012. The aim was to design subjects which largely reflect the post-technocratic ideals of developing through practice and reflection on practice. The filters and hurdles are identified as well as acknowledging the facilitators in getting these subjects to this stage of a curriculum renewal.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | WACE 2012 |
Subtitle of host publication | Where East meets West and Theory meets Practice |
Editors | M. Hansford |
Place of Publication | Turkey |
Publisher | WACE |
Pages | 1-12 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Event | World Association for Cooperative Education Conference (WACE) - Istanbul, Turkey, Turkey Duration: 20 Jun 2012 → 22 Jun 2012 |
Conference
Conference | World Association for Cooperative Education Conference (WACE) |
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Country/Territory | Turkey |
Period | 20/06/12 → 22/06/12 |