Integrating workplace learning in formal educational programmes

Despite the increasing attention that workplace learning has been receiving in recent years, high-quality programme design for these programmes remains a challenge and the translation into practice remains sometimes inadequate. In the present study we build on the expertise of experienced practitioners and experts to better understand in what way workplace learning can be embedded across different contexts in formal educational programmes so that they contribute to the development of the competencies aimed for. The purpose of the present chapter is to examine in detail how students’ workplace learning can be integrated in formal educational programmes.

To meet this aim, a Delphi study was conducted in order to elucidate and synthesize the view of experts and experienced practitioners. In the first round, we interviewed 14 experts. Our analyses focused on clear similarities and notably unusual responses and led to the formulation of further and deeper questions, which we subsequently presented to five respondents during a second round of the Delphi study. The study resulted in the description of a model for integrating workplace learning in formal educational programmes and can be used to evaluate or design workplace learning settings in different educational levels.