Learning through work experience for the knowledge economy: issues for educational research and policy

Over the past 20 years many European countries have introduced work experience projects for students in second level education in an attempt to bridge the gap between school-life and working-life. The aim is for students to draw connections between school-based theoretical learning and the experiential learning of work. It is the opinion of the authors that many of these projects have been unsuccessful. This document examines the limitations and achievements of previous European policy reforms in relation to work experience. This includes the tendency to treat work experience as a form of socialisation, rather than as a means to assist individuals in connecting different modes of learning, particularly the theoretical and practical. The document discusses how students can learn and develop through work experience, and become better prepared for the future. Future challenges in this area are also addressed. The document consists of six parts: (1) Overview - rethinking the relation between work experience and learning; (2) Work experience: policy and practice in Europe; (3) The relationship between knowledge, work, generic skill and employability; (4) Theories of connective practices of learning through work experience; (5) Modelling work experience and learning: illustrations from European practice; and (6) Conclusions: issues for research, policy and practice. Show less