Work-based learning for enterprise education? The case of Liverpool John Moores University “live” civic engagement projects for students

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of using work-based learning (WBL) pedagogy within the curriculum to embed enterprise skills within the Liverpool John Moores University and review the potential relevance of WBL pedagogy to create impactful learning experiences within the curriculum.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used quantitative methodology for this study using a pre- and post-program questionnaire (E-factor) to measure their entrepreneurial competencies. Data were collected from over 500 students over a two-year period.FindingsThe study indicates that WBL can provided transformational learning experiences for students of all disciplines as 85 percent of the students enhanced their entrepreneurial competencies and mindsets.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides significant evidence of the impact WBL pedagogy had on students over a two-year period at the Liverpool John Moores University. However, the data were collected from the student population of a single higher education institution and longitudinal evidence is needed to evaluate the long-term benefits of completing a comparative study with another university.Practical implicationsThe WBL pedagogical approach can be applied to all subject areas to allow enterprise education to be embedded throughout the university curriculum. The research also shows that “live” civic engagement projects provides excellent examples of experiential learning and reflection in the assessment process.Originality/valueThe approach is relevant to all universities seeking to embed enterprise within all curriculums in line with the QAA draft guidelines (2012). The student experience should also be significantly enhanced through the provision of transformational learning experience for all students. It provides a clear methodology that can be customized for application to curricular enterprise education in all subject areas in all universities in the UK and indeed internationally.