Success of work-integrated learning requires close examination of guidelines

May 27, 2014

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