Work-Based Learning (WBL)

Set up since 2007 through the England-Africa Partnership (EAP) Programme in collaboration with

Work-Based Learning

• A combination of school-based preparation and supervised work site experience designed in collaboration with the industry to enable students to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes for career in real work settings • The general purpose is to provide students with work experience and with long term educational and vocational benefits A.Stern (1997)

Work-Based Learning

•Academic Achievement remains a vital component for graduate success in the labour market •Employers increasingly looking for “Something Extra” which makes a candidate stand out from the crowd •Something Extra : •WBL skills experience of work ability to function Improve Employability

Work-Based Learning

•Credit rated in all programs •Assessed by mentors •Monitored by Link Tutors

WBL UNIT STUDENT INDUSTRY

Link Tutor Mentor

Module

WBL 1000 WBL 2000 WBL 3000

Weightage

1

Number of Credits

2

Pre Requirement

None 3 5 2 2 WBL 1000 WBL 2000

Placement Period

6-8 weeks 6-8 weeks 6-8 weeks

•Orientation Session •Mentors’ Induction at work setting •Link Tutor’s Visit •Assessment & Portfolio Submission

• To engage fully during planned Work-based Learning in order to achieve the stipulated learning outcome; • To conform to the regulations and policies of the placement organisation; • To maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive information concerning the organisation and its business; • To adapt to the placement organisation’s culture, methods, leadership and programmes; • To consult the supervisor in the event of any problems or concerns related to the Work-based Learning; • To notify the mentor of the placement organisation and University, in advance where possible, of any absences or lateness from scheduled work hours in line with the University protocol; • To be an ambassador of the University when gaining Work-based Learning experience.

• Assess on seven areas of core competencies (1) Communication (2) Team Working (4) Problem Solving (5) Using and Applying Numbers (3) Improving Own Learning (6) Using Information Technology and Performance (7) Professional Development (Detailed in module practice document Page 6 -11) • Mentor will make first assessment at mid-point Formative Assessment (Page 11 of Portfolio) Provide Feedback • Mentor will make final assessment at the end of the training period Summative Assessment (Confidential) Final Result

• All evidences of learning outcome achieved have to be recorded by the student and sign by the Mentor and the Student (Pages 20 – 37 of portfolio) • Link Tutor’s Visit and Comments to be recorded and signed by the Link Tutor and the Student (Page 17 of portfolio) • Page 18 is to be left blank (Not Applicable) • Portfolio must be completed and submitted by students to the WBL Office at the Registry ,CPDL at latest

Friday 22 July 2011

• Result will be out after the next examination board • Portfolio will be kept at the WBL Office and will be submitted again to students next year for WBL 2000 & WBL 3000 • Portfolio remains the property of the University of Mauritius

Communication Demonstrates an understanding of the communication systems which are in place in an allocated work setting Answers -Must relates how the people in the organisation communicate. -How information/approval are passed from mgt to staff ?

-How staff are kept informed?

Sample In a secondary school There is direct interaction among the teaching staff. Departmental meetings are organised where the HoD updates his staff about mgt decisions. Issues & concerns that cannot be handled by the HoD are referred to the Deputy Rector. Teaching staff communicates to the Rector through their HoD. Urgent and important mgt decisions are sent directly to the staff through formal circulars. Students, on their side, liaise directly with their Form Master.

Communication Identifies the different types of communication channels and modes/tools which are utilised in allocated work setting Answers -Must identify the comm. channels in place among the different categories of personnel . -What tools are used?

-E.g. how mgt reaches the mass of students, the teachers and vice-versa Sample In a secondary school At La Gaulette SSS, numerous types of communication channels and tools are utilised: notice boards, departmental meetings, morning assembly, mark book, order book, attendance card, student journal, report book. There is normally a two-way communication within people of the school.

[ A.Amic, BA(Hons) French]

Communication Explains how the different sections/units/departments within an allocated organisation/work setting communicate with each other Answers -Must reflect the coordination among the depts. -Identify approval methods, info. that circulate, movement of files Sample In a hotel Where I am posted at Le Touessrok, three departments work in coordination namely Public Relation, Sales and Marketing. These three departments communicate mainly through email, telephone, fax and also face-to-face (verbal comm). Sometimes if an issue is not clear, face-to-face communication is essential to clarify the issue.

[ T. Azeghee, BSc(Hons) Marketing Mgt]

Communication Engages in defined aspects of communication interactions within an allocated work environment Answers -Must state how you personally engaged yourself. -Identify with whom you are working mostly everyday Sample In an NGOs I attended regular meetings where I have the opportunity to discuss my views with members of the staff. In addition, my mentor provide support on my observation and report through face-to-face interactions.

I also worked with the administrative staff on an ongoing basis to better understand the concept of letters, reports and projects of the organisation. Furthermore, I have provided advice to children by staying in the shelters and doing individual & group activities with them. [ T. Boodhoo, BSc(Hons) Psychology]

Team Working Describe the mission, philosophy and goals of an allocated organisation/work setting Answers -Must state clearly the mission and goals Sample In an NGOs The mission of CEDEM is to provide a better future through quality education to the children of Mauritius. Its action and philosophy are based on seven main principles: the importance of family, quality education, effective pedagogy, respect of human rights, training, professionalism and team working. CEDEM’s main goals are to promote and protect children rights, to rehabilitate children living in difficult circumstances and to sensitize and provide support as well as counselling to parents and the general public. [ T. Boodhoo, BSc(Hons) Psychology]

• How should I dress?

-Formal on the first day as you would go for your first day at work -Same as the other professionals -Some work settings have uniforms -Avoid jeans, piercing, disco hair styles • What if I am absent from placement?

-For one or two days, inform the mentor -More than two days, inform the mentor and the WBL Unit -Provisions should be made with the mentor for replacing missing days in case of more than two days missed -Will be penalised for absences without justification

• What if I submit the portfolio late?

-University regulations will apply same as for other modules • What if I submit a blank portfolio?

-No record of evidence of achievement. Will get “N” as result • What if I do not complete the training, do not return portfolio and do not inform the WBL Unit ?

-Will Fail with grade ‘F” • What if my mentor does not complete his part in the portfolio (interview part)?

-Student will not be penalised. The interview part is optional. However, it is recommended that mentors perform these so as to ensure proper support of student’s achievement.

• What if my mentor does not sign in my portfolio for my attendance and my record of evidence achieved?

-This may be interpreted that the mentor cannot endorse that the student was present and has achieved what has been written as evidence. Do avoid being penalised, it is imperative that student requests their mentor to sign off for them.

• What if no link tutor visit me?

-Student will not be penalised. In case there is need, the WBL Unit may contact the mentor for feedback after the portfolio submission • What if the link tutor visit me, but do not fill in his part in my portfolio?

-If this is because the student does not have his portfolio or the student is away on the day of the link tutor’s visit, then student must ensure that this part is completed before submitting his portfolio.

-In case the link tutor himself requests that he will do it afterwards, then the WBL Unit will handle after portfolio submission.

• What if I do not get my WBL result after the next exam board?

-You should contact the WBL Unit immediately. This happen particularly for students who have to repeat the year.

• I am in my final year of studies, will WBL delay my graduation ?

-You will graduate, the WBL result will be approved and therein mentioned in your transcript afterwards.

Project Coordinator : Mr. Abdool Mohabuth Placement Coordinator : Miss Maliny Soobrayen Office : Ground Floor, Centre for Professional Development & LifeLong Learning

Slides may be viewed on: http://vcampus.uom.ac.mu/wbl