Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
Key Information
What: Research group exploring how to design education in collaboration with working life.
Established: 2023
Participants: Interdisciplinary group with representatives from all faculties at Kristiania.
Who can join: Researchers and practitioners interested in increasing workplace relevance in higher education and fostering strong collaboration between the higher education sector and the labor market.
Background
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a pedagogical approach to education that involves three key actors: the student, the workplace, and the educational institution. The goal is to increase the relevance of education and better prepare students for working life.
Work-Integrated Learning is a well-established international field of research. In Norway, however, the term "arbeidsintegrert læring" (work-integrated learning) is less commonly used.
The AIL research group aims to respond to the government's call for increased workplace relevance in higher education. Through the group's work, we seek to establish AIL as both a concept and a field of research in Norway, thereby directly addressing the authorities’ expectations.
Characteristics of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
Closeness to working life: Students are given the opportunity to engage in real work situations and tackle authentic tasks.
Reflection and integration: In WIL, theory and practice are integrated. Students reflect on their own practice, often with guidance from both an academic supervisor at the educational institution and a workplace mentor.
Various models: There are different models of WIL, including internships, placements, project work with external partners, and simulations of real-life cases.
The tripartite collaboration should provide value for all involved: Students gain competence through real learning experiences. Businesses benefit from fresh perspectives, employer branding, and access to more skilled recruits. Educational institutions fulfill their social mission: to educate a qualified workforce for the labor market.
The AIL research group is your academic community if you share our interest in workplace-relevant education—whether you're a researcher, practitioner from the higher education sector, or a representative from working life. With links to international research environments in work-integrated learning, our ambition is to put WIL on the agenda in both research and practice in Norway.
