Learning at the interface of higher education and work : Experiences of students, teachers and workplace partners

Abstract

Connectivity between education and workplaces is often seen as a central element in preparing students for the future labour market. This chapter presents findings from a study that examined strengthening the connectivity between Finnish higher education institutions and workplaces. The study focused on 11 work-related study modules where students carried out commissioned assignments or projects from companies or public sector organisations. The data were collected by interviewing 88 students, 35 teachers, and 17 workplace partners. Theory-driven and data-driven qualitative analyses focused on how students, teachers and workplace partners described the presage, process and product factors of workplace learning outlined in the modified 3-P Model of Workplace Learning. The findings showed that, in general, all parties appreciated the processes and outcomes of education–work collaboration, but there were also challenges. Regarding the presage factors, the role of previous experience emerged as an important background factor of education–work activities in all parties. As for the learning processes, collaborative learning, working with authentic tasks, and responsibility were emphasised. Students, teachers and workplace interviewees produced rich descriptions of the outcomes of the work-related study modules. Practical recommendations are provided.