Work-Based Learning

What is Work-Based Learning?

Work-based learning refers to a variety of instructional strategies that use a community site or workplace as a vehicle for learning and applying knowledge and skills required in a planned course of study. It is not a synonym for general work experience, nor does it mean awarding credit to students who work. Rather, it refers to learning experiences that occur outside the classroom, and which are monitored and supervised by both representatives of an educational institution and a community workplace.  In some cases students may be able to earn additional credits if certian requirements are met.

Work-based learning supports school-based learning by increasing the number of learning sites available to students (learning is not limited to the classroom), by providing new contexts for learning (many traditional classroom activities are conducted without a clear context), and by having students apply what they know in a "real-world" environment.