Work-based learning (WBL) is an instructional method that links work experience with school-based instruction to prepare students for both college and career by
High-quality WBL enhances students’ understanding of classroom theory through participation in its application in the work environment. It gives students the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the work experience and to take responsibility for their learning.
- promoting and developing critical thinking;
- fostering social and psychological development; and
- enhancing career- and workplace-related knowledge.
High-quality WBL enhances students’ understanding of classroom theory through participation in its application in the work environment. It gives students the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the work experience and to take responsibility for their learning.
Success In The New Economy
Goals of Work-Based Learning
- Provide relevance and meaning to learning experiences
- Provide hands-on application
- Offer contextual and integrated learning experiences
- Demonstrate connections between school and work
- Encourage career awareness and exploration
- Learn relevant employability skills and what employers want
- Provide specific career preparation and skills of the job
- Give dignity to practical learning, application of knowledge, and work
- Provide a capstone experience for students· involved in a career cluster pathway of study.
Benefits of Work-Based Learning
For the student:
For the employer:
- Students have the opportunity for learning useful employment skills on real jobs under actual working conditions.
- Interest in classroom work is stimulated by the application of academic and job-related learning to job situations.
- As wage earners, students develop understanding, appreciation, and respect for work and workers.
- The ability to get and hold a job helps young people develop a mature and realistic concept of self.
- The transition from school to employment is made easier.
- The ability of the student to develop a post-high school plan for employment and continuing education is enhanced.
- The number of young adults making a successful transition from school to work is increased, thereby adding to the number of economically productive members of society.
- A continuing pattern of school-community partnerships is developed.
- CAREER PREPARATION on-the-job training helps improve the community's pattern of job stability by giving local students job skills and civic competence.
For the employer:
- Employers are assisted in analyzing jobs and developing training outlines.
- The private sector is provided with opportunities to take an active part in the education and career preparation of students in the local community.
- Students are prepared to work in their own localities, under the supervision and following the methods of a specific local employer.
- Classroom instruction gives student-learners a more thorough understanding of job related theory and knowledge.
Arlington Heights WBL Handbook
Get Involved
Would you like to be involved in the Work-Based Learning program at Arlington Heights? If so, contact Mr. Rick Sapp via email at rick.sapp@fwisd.org or use the Contact link at the top of the page.