A REVIEW OF THE PRACTICE OF WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL) AT HIGHER EDUCATION LEVEL IN THE UK

The aim of the study is to review the practice of work-based learning (WBL), based on the experience of higher education institutions in the United Kingdom.

Methods. The methods of system and comparative analysis, synthesis and generalization are used.

Results. The background and development of WBL is given; the importance and value of this form of education in the modern, rapidly changing society is shown. The main characteristics are selected and basic aspects of WBL programs profitable different from traditional university programs are designated: relevance to real production processes; student centricity; flexibility of content which is built proceeding from interests of an employer and a student; high extent of integration of various disciplines and fields of knowledge; recognition of the prior certified and independent training; optimization of time expenditure; possibility of the choice of the place of training, its sequence, schedule of control actions, and other advantages. Options of a program implementation of WBL, complexity of their implementation and methods of their overcoming are described. A few critical remarks concerning WBL programs are also presented.

Scientific novelty. For the first time the analytical review of WBL practice at a higher education level, which is widespread in English-speaking countries over the last 25 years, is presented in the Russian scientific literature in education.

Practical significance. The materials provided in the article can be useful to heads and teachers of institutions of higher education; methodologists of structures of vocational preparation and advanced training of personnel of high technology productions; the employers heading large-scale industries and interested in upgrading of employees’ educational level.

1. Helyer R. The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook. 2nd ed. Palgrave Macmillan, 2015. 328 p. (Translated from English)

2. Cooper L., Orrell J. and Bowden M. Work Integrated Learning: A Guide to Effective Practice. London: Routledge, 2010. (Translated from English)

3. Nixon I., Smith K., Stafford R. and Camm S. Work-based learning; Illuminating the higher education landscape. London: The Higher Education Academy, 2006. 80 p. Available at: https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/system/files/wbl_illuminating.pdf (accessed 15.12.2016). (Translated from English)

4. Slowey M. The United Kingdom: redefining the non-traditional student: equity and lifelong learning in British higher education 1985–2000. In H. Scheutze and M. Slowey (eds.). Higher education and lifelong learners: international perspectives on change. London: Routledge, 2000. Р. 101–124. (Translated from English)

5. Field J. Lifelong learning and the new educational order (2nd ed.). UK: Trentham Books, 2006. 204 p. (Translated from English)

6. Talbot J. A case study in the development of Work Based Learning and the possibility of transfer to continental European universities: The WBIS program at the University of Chester, England. Prior Learning Assessment Inside Out. 2014. № 2 (2). 14 p. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10034/337906 (accessed 15.12.2016). (Translated from English)

7. Brennan J. and Little B. A Review of Work based Learning in Higher Education. London: Quality Support Centre and Open University, 1996. 203 p. (Translated from English)

8. Mumford J. and Roodhouse S. Understanding Work-based Learning. Farnham: Gower, 2010. 420 p. (Translated from English)

9. Gibbs P. and Garnett J. Work-based learning as a field of study. Research in Post- Compulsory Education. 2007. № 12 (3). Р. 409–421. DOI: 10.1080/13596740701559886. (Translated from English)

10. Garnett J. Work based learning and the intellectual capital of universities and employers. The Learning Organization. 2001. № 8 (2). P. 78–82. (Translated from English)

11. Boud D., Solomon N. and Symes C. New practices for new times. In D. Boud and N. Solomon (eds), Work-based Learning: A New Higher Education. Buckingham: Society for Research in Higher Education/Open University Press, 2001. Р. 3–17. (Translated from English)

12. Helyer R. The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook. Palgrave Macmillan, 2010. 224 p(Translated from English)

13. Lester S., and Costley C. Work based learning at higher education level: Value, practice and critique. Studies in Higher Education. 2010. № 35 (5). Р. 561–575. (Translated from English)

14. Talbot J. Recognising non-formal and informal learning: modernising Russian higher education or irrelevant? The Education and Science Journal. 2015. № 1 (4). Р. 142–157. DOI:10.17853/1994-5639-2015-4-142-157. (Translated from English)

15. Helyer R., Lee D. and Evans A. Hybrid HE: Knowledge, Skills and Innovation. Work Based Learning e-Journal. 2011. № 1 (2). 2011. Р. 18–35. (Translated from English)

16. Costley C. and Dikerdem M. Work Based Learning Pedagogies and Academic Development. A Research Project funded by the HEA Subject Centre for Education, ESCalate 2011. London: Middlesex University, 2012. 73 p. (Translated from English)

17. Siebert S., Costley C. Conflicting values in reflection on professional practice. Higher Education, Skills and Work-based Learning. 2013. № 3 (3). Р. 156–168. (Translated from English)