The Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Department, offers course participants the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained from their academic settings to a work-based scenario. The WIL concept aims to ensure that course participants develop their ability to integrate their learning through a combination of acquired academic knowledge and work-related activities.
The Institute for Education’s (IfE) aspiration is that WIL is embedded as a formal component of its undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Therefore, degree programmes addressed towards educators’ development and initial teacher training have embedded within them a WIL component; this is reflected primarily through the Teaching Practice and the Micro-Placement Modules.
The IfE offers Teaching Practice placements within the following degree programmes:
- The Bachelor of Education (Hons)
- The Master of Education
Practice Placements are also a feature in our short programmes for education, namely the:
- Award for Supporting Learners with Individual Educational Needs
- Introductory Course for Supply Teachers (Award)
- Award in Assisting the Childcare Educator
The initial teacher training programmes at IfE form part of the work-integrated learning concept at it provides course participants with real-world exposure. These programs provide the opportunity to apply teaching strategies, develop classroom management skills, and engage with diverse student populations. Students are able to reflect on their experiences, receive feedback from teaching practice visitors and make adjustments to their teaching approaches accordingly. Through the combination of theoretical session and practice teaching experience, our programmes prepare course participants from the challenges and demands of the teaching profession. In line with work-integrated learning practices the integration of theory and practice enables course participants to acquire relevant workplace skills and knowledge through authentic, hands-on experience.
The IfE also offers The Micro-Placement in the Industry module. This module aims to expose future educators to the labour market. Through this module future educators/educators have the opportunity to engage in short-term work experiences that are integrated into teacher education programmes. These placements provide aspiring teachers with opportunities to gain exposure to industries outside of the education sector, broaden their understanding of various careers, and develop transferable skills that can enhance their teaching practice. By engaging in work experiences outside of the education sector, course participants are able to gain a deeper understanding of the application of knowledge and skills in different professional environments. This broader perspective can enrich their teaching practice and help them make connections between classroom content and real-world scenarios. Having this experience in Industry enables educators and our course participants to develop transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills can be valuable in their future teaching careers and enhance their ability to engage with students, collaborate with colleagues, and navigate diverse educational contexts. Micro-placements allow course participants to build professional networks beyond the education sector. Connecting with individuals in various industries can provide them with opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and accessing external expertise that can be beneficial for their teaching practices and for the children in the classroom as they will be exposed to the latest trends and skills necessary in the labour market.
If you have further queries regarding teaching practice and micro-placement please check our FAQs page: Work-Integrated Learning
