Success of work-integrated learning requires close examination of guidelines

New research from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), conducted by Academica Group, suggests that universities must carefully re-examine the criteria they use when developing work-integrated learning programs. HEQCO’s Executive Director Richard Wiggers emphasized that work-integrated learning requires a plan tied to specific outcomes, as well as effective assessment. The program should also link back to students’ studies. Wiggers also noted that 50% of college students and 8% of university students who completed a co-op placement reported that they were not paid, highlighting the need to follow criteria for how different types of work-integrated learning are defined. The final report from the five-year study is expected to be released in the fall. FHSS News Release