Impact of WIL • Research Design
Five studies were conducted to gather quantitative and qualitative data from employers, students and graduates to identify key components of a quality WIL program that enriches graduate skills. The design of the methodology and approaches for gathering data was based on a review of contemporary literature and consultation with partner institutions. The five studies were designed to ensure that collectively, the outcomes addressed the three research questions.
Research Questions
- What are the essential characteristics of WIL (e.g. authenticity, experiential learning) and how can these be measured validly across all types of WIL, whether placement-based or not?
- How should ‘work-readiness’ be conceptualized and measured as basis for National Standards for Quality Assurance?
- What Impact does WIL have on work-readiness across a range of WIL types, including alternatives to placement WIL, and in a range of disciplines?
Study 1 Cross-sectional Study
Purposes:
- Identify the range of employability-relevant curriculum experiences to which students were exposed and compare their relative impact on employability
- Validate measures of work-integrated learning and employability
- Develop a multi-dimensional measurement model for employability
Method:
First and final year students were invited to complete a 45 item online survey. The questions comprised a mix of demographic items and research measures. The research measures utilised a five-point scale. Research items focused on curriculum inputs (quality of placement measures, simulation measures, and career development learning measures) and employability outcomes.
Respondents:
3336 responses from 13 universities
Study 2 Proxy-longitudinal Study
Purpose
- Establish a more direct comparison of students who did and did not have a placement experience within a discipline area
- Reveal perceptions of work-readiness and impact of WIL
Method:
18 self-reported items intended to reveal participants’ level of ability in a range of skill and knowledge areas at three stages of their placements and two open ended questions
Respondents:
1499 students from nine institutions
Study 3 Alumni Interview Study
Purpose:
To identify aspects of WIL placements that positively influence work-readiness
Method:
15 minute telephone interviews
Respondents:
Ten recent graduates
Study 4 Employer Interview Study
Purpose:
Determine employers’ motives for accepting or declining student for WIL placements
Method:
Telephone interviews
Respondents:
13 employers from seven industries
Study 5 Employer Survey Study
Purpose:
Determine employers’ motives for accepting or declining student for WIL placements
Method:
10 item online survey consisting of quantitative questions and two open-ended questions
Respondents:
163 employers from 31 industries