Discipline predicts Work Integrated Learning (WIL) practice in Science courses

Abstract

Australian mathematics and science students have low participation in WIL, posing implications for student employability. To better understand this problem, an examination of the industry-placement and coursework-incorporated WIL offered across the Faculty of Science at a large research-intensive university was undertaken. The aim of the study was to provide an evidenced discussion of the types and amounts of WIL that different disciplines offer their students. A matrix was used to measure the inclusion of WIL activities in 265 courses (units of study) across all undergraduate programs in a Faculty of Science. The results, which show comparisons between disciplines, year levels, and class sizes, indicate that a high proportion of courses incorporate WIL, but that some disciplines are significantly more likely to incorporate WIL than others. This study provides important insights into how science students in different disciplines and in different levels of their degree are prepared for the workplace. In considering how to address graduate employability through integrating WIL in university STEM coursework, this study provides evidence-based justification to initiate reflection about pedagogy.