Work-Based Learning (WBL) Set up since 2007 through the England-Africa Partnership (EAP) Programme in collaboration with

Work-Based Learning A combination of school-based preparation and supervised work site experience designed in collaboration with the industry to enable students to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes for career in real work settings The general purpose is to provide students with work experience and with long term educational and vocational benefits A.Stern (1997)

Work-Based Learning Academic Achievement remains a vital component for graduate success in the labour market Employers increasingly looking for “Something Extra” which makes a candidate stand out from the crowd Something Extra : skills experience of work ability to function WBL Improve Employability

Work-Based Learning

Credit rated in all programs Assessed by mentors Monitored by Link Tutors

WBL UNIT INDUSTRY STUDENT Link TutorMentor

ModuleWeightageNumber of Credits Pre- Requirement Placement Period WBL None6-8 weeks WBL WBL weeks WBL WBL weeks

Mentors’ Induction at work setting Link Tutor’s Visit Assessment & Portfolio Submission Orientation Session

To engage fully during planned Work-based Learning in order to achieve the stipulated learning outcome; To conform to the regulations and policies of the placement organisation; To maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive information concerning the organisation and its business; To adapt to the placement organisation’s culture, methods, leadership and programmes; To consult the supervisor in the event of any problems or concerns related to the Work-based Learning; To notify the mentor of the placement organisation and University, in advance where possible, of any absences or lateness from scheduled work hours in line with the University protocol; To be an ambassador of the University when gaining Work-based Learning experience.

Mentor will make first assessment at mid-point Assess on seven areas of core competencies (1) Communication (4) Problem Solving (2) Team Working (5) Using and Applying Numbers (3) Improving Own Learning (6) Using Information Technology and Performance (7) Professional Development (Detailed in module practice document Page WBL 2000) (Detailed in module practice document Page WBL 2000) Formative Assessment (Page 47 of Portfolio-WBL 2000) (Page 79 of Portfolio-WBL3000) Provide Feedback Mentor will make final assessment at the end of the training period Summative Assessment (Confidential) Final Result

Page 52 & 84 is to be left blank (Not Applicable) All evidences of learning outcome achieved have to be recorded by the student and sign by the Mentor and the Student (Pages 56 – 69 of portfolio-WBL2000 & Pages WBL3000) Portfolio must be completed and submitted by students to the WBL Office at the Registry,CPDL at latest Friday 22 July 2011 Link Tutor’s Visit and Comments to be recorded and signed by the Link Tutor and the Student (Page 53 of portfolio –WBL2000 and Page 85-WBL3000 ) Result will be out after the next examination board Portfolio will be kept at the WBL Office and will be submitted again to students next year for WBL 2000 & WBL 3000 Portfolio remains the property of the University of Mauritius

Communication -Analyses the effectiveness of the communication systems which are in place in an allocated work setting Answers -Must identify the strengths and weaknesses of the comm. system Sample At ASRO Communication is seen to be at the heart of every work allocation at ASRO. I found several strengths and weaknesses. Strengths: There is a good flow of info. from Faculties to ASRO and vice versa. E.g. for the graduation ceremony, Faculties communicates the list of graduates to ASRO. Invitation Letters are then prepared by ASRO and sent to graduates. ASRO thereafter sent a confirmation list to Faculties. Weaknesses: At counter desks, staff constantly received calls coming from members of the public. Queries are answered one by one since there is only one telephone. This service could be enhanced by having more telephones and more staff at the counter desk. [D.Leon,BA(Hons) French]

Communication -Engages in a range of communication interactions and skills in the work place Answers -Must relate how you engaged yourself Sample At MACOSS I was given the opportunity to use the Intranet for accessing the various resources of the company. I used ing facility to interact directly with the personnel. Besides, I attended meetings organised by MACOSS where I had the opportunity to participate actively on some current issues. I was also engaged in face-to-face communication for discussing and solving day-to- day problems. [A.Tiroumalechetty,BSc(Hons) Management]

Communication - Evaluates the effectiveness of own communication interactions and skills in the work place Answers -Must identify how your engagement has been functioning - Sample In a secondary school I have performed various demos in the laboratory in front of many students. When the students thereafter carried their practical test on their own, I can clearly observe that they have applied the knowledge and skills transferred to them. In addition, the theory and concept that I taught in class have been properly understood since students have successfully worked out past exam questions on these topics [ S.PEM, BSc(Hons) Physics with Electronics]

Communication -Develop strategies for the enhancement of own communication skills Answers -Must relate how you planned to improve your comm. skills. Sample In a secondary school To catch the attention of students that were not following classes, I organised group work where I have divided students in five groups. I have given more close attention to the students and this has facilitated students interaction with me. For the lab sessions, I gave individual attention to students having difficulty in carrying out their practical tests. [S.PEM, BSc(Hons) Physics with Electronics]

How should I dress? -Formal on the first day as you would go for your first day at work -Same as the other professionals -Some work settings have uniforms -Avoid jeans, piercing, disco hair styles What if I am absent from placement? -For one or two days, inform the mentor -More than two days, inform the mentor and the WBL Unit -Provisions should be made with the mentor for replacing missing days in case of more than two days missed -Will be penalised for absences without justification

What if I submit the portfolio late? -University regulations will apply same as for other modules What if I submit a blank portfolio? -No record of evidence of achievement. Will get “N” as result What if I do not complete the training, do not return portfolio and do not inform the WBL Unit ? -Will Fail with grade ‘F” What if my mentor does not complete his part in the portfolio (interview part)? -Student will not be penalised. The interview part is optional. However, it is recommended that mentors perform these so as to ensure proper support of student’s achievement.

What if my mentor does not sign in my portfolio for my attendance and my record of evidence achieved? -This may be interpreted that the mentor cannot endorse that the student was present and has achieved what has been written as evidence. Do avoid being penalised, it is imperative that student requests their mentor to sign off for them. What if no link tutor visit me? -Student will not be penalised. In case there is need, the WBL Unit may contact the mentor for feedback after the portfolio submission What if the link tutor visit me, but do not fill in his part in my portfolio? -If this is because the student does not have his portfolio or the student is away on the day of the link tutor’s visit, then student must ensure that this part is completed before submitting his portfolio. -In case the link tutor himself requests that he will do it afterwards, then the WBL Unit will handle after portfolio submission.

What if I do not get my WBL result after the next exam board? -You should contact the WBL Unit immediately. This happen particularly for students who have to repeat the year. I am in my final year of studies, will WBL delay my graduation ? -You will graduate, the WBL result will be approved and therein mentioned in your transcript afterwards.

Project Coordinator : Mr. Abdool Mohabuth Placement Coordinator : Miss Maliny Soobrayen Office : Ground Floor, Centre for Professional Development & LifeLong Learning

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