ERIC Number: ED574535
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Oct
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Work-Based Learning as a Pathway to Postsecondary and Career Success. Insights on Equity and Outcomes. Issue 18
Rodriguez, Jacqueline; Fox, Heather; McCambly, Heather
Office of Community College Research and Leadership
Work-based learning (WBL) is a key example of the integration of academic and occupational training that is central to career and technical education (CTE) and through which students have the ability to gain high-wage, high-skilled occupational experience while pursuing postsecondary credentials (Bragg, Dresser, & Smith, 2012; Chernus & Fowler 2010; Holzer & Lerman, 2014; Rayborn, 2015). Evidence suggests WBL has notable benefits for students, specifically students of color (Lerman, 2010). WBL reinforces the relevancy and authenticity of the learning experiences for students, engaging learners who prefer applied learning environments (Lerman, 2010). Moreover, WBL has been found to increase students' persistence, graduation, and employment rates, with notable gains for students from underserved racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds (Holzer & Lerman, 2014; Kuh, 2008; Lerman, 2010; National Survey of Student Engagement, 2007). This brief provides an overview of WBL, including a broad definition of WBL in postsecondary education settings, the benefits of WBL, and key elements for implementing high-impact, high-quality WBL programs.
Descriptors: Experiential Learning, Workplace Learning, Career Education, Technical Education, Postsecondary Education, College Students, Models, Job Skills, Apprenticeships, Internship Programs, Small Businesses, Service Learning
Office of Community College Research and Leadership. 51 Gerty Drive Room 129, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 217-244-9390; Fax: 217-244-0851; e-mail: occri@uiuc.edu; Web site: http://occrl.illinois.edu
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Postsecondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Illinois Community College Board
Authoring Institution: Illinois University, Office of Community College Research and Leadership
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A