Navigating work integrated learning (WIL) pathways for learners through creative media production: the Yagan Square digital tower WIL project

Abstract

ABSTRACT Work-integrated learning (WIL) environments are designed to assist students in consolidating their acquired knowledge and skills, apply them to real-world settings and develop a professional identity. Promoting industry engagement and assisting students make links between what they are learning and how it applies to professional practice is one of our key roles as educators. Studies in the relationship between well-being and learning confirm the need for tertiary educators to consider how personal values, health and behaviours radically interact with skills development in the designing and implementation of our teaching and learning programs. It is an imperative we keep abreast of contemporary media practices, but also build effective networks with community and industry and generate partnerships to assist students as they navigate their way through the academy in an increasingly complex world. Informed by studio and project-based learning and experiential methodologies that facilitate student centred approaches with high levels of self-directed learning we discuss our respective pedagogical approaches to the Yagan Square digital tower project, Perth Australia, to promote student engagement with their own communities and how to work with an external organisation who also act as a client and mentors to students .