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Kristen Gallo-Zdunowski
EDUC 815
Winter Term 2019

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Work-integrated Learning (WIL)
Sometimes also referred to as  work-integrated education, work-based learning, or work-based education.
Term given to programs or activities that integrate classroom learning with workplace activities. This can include a number of different types of activities - cooperative education, internships, practicum, field-placements, clinical experiences, etc. This term is sometimes used interchangably with the others listed here.

Cooperative Education
Term that describes one specific form of WIL. Usually a structured program that alternates between periods of classes and work experience while students earn academic credit.

21st Century Skills
A broad set of knowledge, skills, work habits, and character traits that are believed—by educators, school reformers, college professors, employers, and others—to be critically important to success in today’s world. (Abbott, 2014, retrieved from: http://edglossary.org/21st-century-skills/).

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Currently industries and professions are evolving incredibly quickly due to changes in technology and the global economy. The rate of change requires new skills for 21 st century employees to keep up with those changes. Work-integrated learning experiences (internships, co-op programs, field placements, etc.) have been extensively studied for career competency development, post-graduation outcomes, and evaluation measures. However, for higher education to continue to remain relevant institutions will need to focus on graduates’ development of skills for the emerging future of industry and rapid rate of innovation.

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The purpose of this research is to determine whether cooperative education programs assist in student development of needed 21st century skills.

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While much research has been done about outcomes of work-integrated learning programs, the relationship between work-integrated learning programs in higher education and student development of 21st century skills is not understood.

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This research has great significance for higher education, which is increasingly under pressure to show a ROI to students and families investing in education. Additionally this research has significance to students who need to be aware of what will be needed of them in their future work, and to have avenues to pursue meaningful preparation.

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Over the course of working on my literature review, my streams have shifted as I learned more about this topic. The three areas of focus has become frameworks for 21st century skill development in education (K-12 and higher education), followed by research and context about work-integrated learning programs, specifically cooperative education (including definitions, history, and outcomes), and finally linking these two with research into the measurement of learning as a result of cooperative education.

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Development of theoretical frameworks for describing how learning occurs through work experiences.

Further research into the effectiveness of different types of WIL programs.

Better understanding of how skills can be more intentionally fostered through WIL.

Opportunities to see if skill development happens in a similar way around the world (as WIL programs are particularly strong in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Europe).

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The gaps are very similar to areas for possible further research. The two big gaps I repeatedly came to as I was researching my topic was little work around the development of 21st century skills specifically. Additionally, there is still noticeable gaps in the understanding of how learning occurs as a result of WIL programs. It is maintained that learning occurs, but we do not understand how yet. Work is underway in this area.

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1. Do cooperative education programs assist in the development of 21st century skills in college students?

2. How can learning of 21st century skills via cooperative education programs be measured?

3. What are the key skills college graduates need to possess in the 21st century global economy to be successful?

4. Do graduates from large, private, research university who participated in a cooperative education program feel they are equipped to succeed in the 21st century job market?

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World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE)

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World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE)

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WACE is the only international organization for cooperative education and work-integrated learning (or work-integrated education). This was a great resource in my review.

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WACE Advancing Cooperative & Work-Integrated Education