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=58Jacqueline Page and Lourdes Melcion

Regent’s University London5th June 2015

The first steps:

• Bilingual Volunteer training: Wandsworth EMA Service

(The Lottery Fund)

Work Based Learning

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

Work Based Learning

Widening the Volunteering opportunities for the studentsCollaboration 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)

Work Based Learning

Roehampton Community Action Showcase • Institutional approval

Work Based Learning

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

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

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

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 

                               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 PresentationLog Book 

Work Based Learning

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 …. 

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 ...

Work Based Learning

And finally....

• http://www.hecsu.ac.uk/assets/assets/documents/research_reports/Why_work_experience_matters.pdf

• http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/CVProfiles.htm• http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/job-interview/preparing-for-job-interviews/how-s

hould-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