Cooperative Education Unit PGCHE Class 2016 Sophia Shuungula and Martha Namutuwa Industry Liaison Officers 19 May 2016

Cooperative Education Unit Outline 1. Introduction 1.1 Cooperative Education 1.2 Cooperative Education Framework 1.3 Policy rational 1.4 Curriculum framework 2. Scope of policy implementation 3. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) 4. Employability skills and WIL 5. Role CEU 6. Placement process 7. Monitoring evaluation 8. Conclusion

Cooperative Education Unit PGCHE Introduction Graduate employability has become an important global theme in the higher education. Higher Education Institutions are constantly called to account for success in the employment of graduates. Research shows that Higher Education Institutions have a responsibility and accountability for building theoretical knowledge and skills required for professional practice within a chosen field. From that background NUST adopted the Cooperative Education concept.

Cooperative Education Unit PGCHE Cooperative Education An umbrella concept that describes cooperation between stakeholders Cooperative Education Enhance profit and lead to Economic Growth Students NUSTIndustry

Cooperative Education Unit 1.2 Cooperative Education Framework PGCHE 2016

Cooperative Education Unit Higher Education Institutions should produce graduates ready for the workplace, having integrated work experience into their learning programmes. NUST supports compulsory WIL component embedded in the Curriculum. This commitment is evidenced in the adoption of the Curriculum Model that informs the structure of the Bachelor degree programmes. This means that programmes should be designed with the active participation of industry, to provide the best possible programme directed at the world of work. 1.3 Policy rational PGCHE 2016

Cooperative Education Unit 1.4 Curriculum Framework PGCHE 2016

Cooperative Education Unit 2. Scope of policy implementation This policy covers all Work Integrated Learning activities in the NUST programmes including teaching professional experience, experiential learning, internships, community and industry placements and projects, simulations and virtual work experiences. Refer to the policy for implementation procedures. PGCHE 2016

Cooperative Education Unit 3. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a defining element of a holistic educational strategy that is known as Cooperative Education. It advocates the formal integration of structured real-life experiences (work-place or community service as well as simulated assignments and action learning projects) into the overall programme curriculum. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a deliberate and intentional learning in work, supported by appropriate induction of students, mentoring, supervision and assessment. PGCHE 2016

Cooperative Education Unit PGCHE 2016 A structured method of applying classroom - based education with practical work experience. Includes practical work in a corporate environment and service learning which is applied in the community. WIL cont…

Cooperative Education Unit PGCHE 2016 WIL cont… The inclusion of Work Integrated Learning practices into the curricula of undergraduate programmes. Is based on the premise that practical placements provide an opportunity for students to integrate theoretical knowledge gained through the formal teaching curriculum, with the informal knowledge gained through immersion in a professional context.

Cooperative Education Unit PGCHE 2016 Work - placement Learning: Industry placement, In- Service training. Problem – based Learning: Real problems, Interdisciplinary projects learning, Community projects Project - based Learning: Field work, interviews, Site visits, Service Learning. Simulation: Work simulated problem, Laboratory Learning, Case studies. WIL Modalities

Cooperative Education Unit 4. Employability skills and WIL The lack of soft skills, workplace readiness and experience are the key considerations why organisations require Work Integrated Learning programmes as a part of the student’s tertiary education. Some of the most important soft skills highlighted include amongst others: interpersonal skills, motivation, critical thinking, communication, problem solving, customer service, conflict resolution, commitment, self starter, business skills/etiquette, team spirit/ cohesiveness and showing interest. PGCHE 2016

Cooperative Education Unit 5. Role of CEU Provide support and advice to academics regarding the inclusion of WIL in programmes. Provide work readiness preparation workshops to students eligible for WIL. Offer guidance on job seeking skills and CV compilation, self-presentation skills, interviewing techniques and workplace etiquettes. Facilitate the relationship between NUST and Industry. Source placement opportunities for students where possible. PGCHE 2016

Cooperative Education Unit Role cont… Give input to programme review on WIL related matters. Provide guidance for other WIL Modalities. Share best practices learned from other universities. Facilitates meeting between WIL Coordinators to share experiences. Assist WIL coordinators with student visits and assessment. Continuously liaise with industry to strengthens relationship with NUST. PGCHE 2016

Cooperative Education Unit PGCHE Placement process 1. Enter into agreement with NUST 2. Identify organisation needs 3. Contact ILO for information and validation 4. ILO prepare students for WIL 4.1. Work readiness programme 5. Placement of students 5.1. ILO shortlist CVs 5.2. ILO provide CVs to industry 5.3. Industry interview students 5.4. Industry select suitable students 6. Students apply knowledge and skills 7. Organisation provides mentorship 8. ILO, WIL coordinators & organisation monitor student progress 9. WIL coordinators & organisation assess students and provide feedback to NUST

Cooperative Education Unit PGCHE Monitoring and Evaluation Includes visiting students at their sites during WIL. Conduct meetings with both students and Industry Supervisors. Monitoring completion of log and reflection sheets. Provide guidance on how to complete Portfolio of Evidence. Obtain feedback which can be communicated to academics and influence the curriculum.

Cooperative Education Unit PGCHE Conclusion “Education and training are the best weapons against poverty, unemployment and inequality in the country” - Nahas Angula “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela

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