PRACTICUMS IN THE WORK-STUDY APPROACH

 

The objectives and content of the practicum are determined by the type of work-study program.

A work-study program is a planned training process characterized by alternating periods of training in school and practical training in the workplace. Since the practicum is central to this educational strategy, certain clarifications are in order.

In a work-study program in vocational or technical education, practicums:

< are not limited to the practicums prescribed in the program of study. They include all time spent in the workplace, regardless of whether it is prescribed in the program of study, whether it is included in the duration of the program of study or is added to it, or whether its goal is the attainment or further development of objectives or competencies specified in the program of study;

< must help students attain learning objectives in the workplace:

• the total or partial acquisition of competencies; or

• the transfer of competencies and the gradual integration of the student into the labour market;

< must be related to the program of study and consistent with the student's level of learning.

In a work-study program, evaluation of the student is a responsibility shared by the school and the business. The type of work-study program, however, determines which of the two assumes prime responsibility.

• Type One - Acquisition of Competencies

The school has prime responsibility for the content of the work-study practicum and evaluation of the student.

• Type Two - Transfer and Integration

The business has prime responsibility for the content of the work-study practicum and evaluation of the student.

Furthermore:

< the content of the practicum must be agreed upon by the school and the business;

< the number of hours spent in the workplace must be significant (approximately one third of the total duration of training).

The number of hours spent in the workplace may be included in the duration of the program of study or be added to it totally or in part.

While work-study programs necessarily include practicums in the workplace, it is important to note that not all programs of study with practicums qualify as work-study programs.