The Advantages of a Work Based Learning Program in High School
Out of all the programs for education, a work based learning program seems to offer the most practical way to apply knowledge learned to real-life situations. This term refers to all kinds of work related learning, whether the person is in school or already has a job. Work based learning is an important teaching method in high school, since it adds another dimension for learning aside from the education that students get in the classroom. Students are allowed more creativity in this system, and they can see for themselves how work is done in the real world.
What are the Goals of Work-based Learning?
Work based learning aims to develop skills and abilities in the student required in order to qualify for various work positions. The principles taught and learned in this program are also designed to develop personal skills, which are reviewed and rated by the employer and the academic staff. This system of learning also aims to help students determine which career path they want to choose.
Benefits of Work Based Learning in High School
The system provides a number of benefits to students especially when it comes to practical learning experience such as more opportunities to network and even earning opportunities. Other benefits include:
It provides an opportunity to see the relevance between academic instruction and practical application, which increases motivation for learning
Provides an opportunity to explore various career options
Enhances the development of leadership and social skills
Improves the student’s prospects of finding a job post-graduation
Provides a suitable environment to learn workplace responsibility
Adds useful college credits which can help students get into the college or university credit of their choice
Gives the learner access to networking opportunities
Allows the student to develop more relationships with adults outside of their school and their homes
Aside from the benefits that it gives to students, work based learning also provides benefits to employers. For one, the program allows employers to prepare future employees without incurring large costs in recruitment and training. The program also allows employers to provide community services and allows them to participate in the curriculum development process of the schools in their area.
What makes an effective work based learning program?
An effective work based program should provide exposure to different work sites in order to inform the student about a wide choice of career selections. The experiences must be designed to be age appropriate. The program should tailor a clear structure that shows the relationship between on site learning and classroom instruction. A trained mentor is also essential in making sure that the student learns while he or she is at the worksite. Finally, a feedback system should be set in place to assess the goals and outcomes of the program.
A work based learning program is a very effective tool for learning outside of the high school classroom. It enhances practical application of theories and provides the student with the skills and knowledge needed to qualify for job opportunities. At the same time, work based learning also provides opportunities for the student to develop life and relationship skills which will prove useful once he goes out to start his career.