ERIC Number: EJ1087650
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0040-0912
EISSN: N/A
The Influence of Cooperative Education and Reflection upon Previous Work Experiences on University Graduates' Vocational Self-Concept
Drewery, David; Nevison, Colleen; Pretti, T. Judene
Education & Training, v58 n2 p179-192 2016
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the relative effects of participation in cooperative education (co-op) and engagement in reflection upon previous work experiences on undergraduate students' vocational self-concept (VSC) at graduation. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey of graduating students (n = 1,483) from a Canadian university was used. Regression models and a mediation analysis were used to test the influence of co-op on VSC through the mechanism of reflection. Findings: Results suggest that both co-op and reflection on previous work experiences have direct effects on VSC, and that reflection partially mediates the relationship between degree type and VSC. Research limitations/implications: This supports the role of work-integrated learning and self-reflection as critical determinants of students' work-related learning outcomes, and co-op as a potential container in which reflection may occur. Practical implications: Students should be given opportunity to reflect on their work-related experiences in order to strengthen their VSC. Institutions may integrate practices related to reflection in order for their students to reap the benefits of deeper learning. Originality/value: This study represents an inaugural view of the potential links between self-reflection and the development of students' VSC across both co-op and non-co-op degree types.
Descriptors: Cooperative Education, Work Experience, Reflection, Self Concept, Foreign Countries, Higher Education, Undergraduate Students, Self Concept Measures, Regression (Statistics), Vocational Maturity, Employee Attitudes, Employment Patterns, Undergraduate Study, Student Surveys
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A