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
Link Tutor
STUDENT
INDUSTRY
Mentor
Module
Weightage
Number of
Credits
PreRequirement
Placement
Period
WBL 1000
1
2
None
6-8 weeks
WBL 2000
3
2
WBL 1000
6-8 weeks
WBL 3000
5
2
WBL 2000
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
(4) Problem Solving
(2) Team Working
(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