Work Integrated Learning Experience Research Articles

Intensive Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): The benefits and challenges of condensed and compressed WIL experiences

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a well-established educational strategy with acknowledged benefits for student learning and employability. This paper explores and documents Intensive WIL, where students undertake short or condensed WIL experiences, ranging from 35 to 400 hours. Four case studies from different universities, designed for different purposes, using either placement or project approaches, and with different student cohorts, showcase the flexibility and adaptability of this model of WIL. Drawing on existing quality frameworks developed for WIL, a new, dedicated set of quality indicators was developed to evaluate examples of intensive WIL, as demonstrated in the case studies. This new framework places greater emphasis on the WIL experience itself, which has had little previous attention. The study confirms that given the right conditions, and used for the right purposes, Intensive WIL delivers quality experiences for students. Unique challenges of Intensive WIL include: sourcing projects with appropriate scope and complexity that are achievable and from which students will learn; ensuring students have command of previous theoretical concepts, as there may be little time to get them up to speed during Intensive WIL; ensuring all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities for smooth operation; and effective communication between workplace and university staff, as there is less time to recover from any difficult situations that may arise.

INTERPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOURAL COUNSELLING; AN ESSENTIAL SKILL FOR OUR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

INTRODUCTION Collaborative healthcare practices have positive impacts on dietary and physical activity behaviours (Patnode, et al., 2022). An immersive interprofessional work-integrated learning experience was developed for UOW Exercise Science and Rehabilitation(ExSc), and Dietetics and Nutrition(DNut) students, to appropriately prepare novice practitioners for significant growth in workforce interprofessional collaboration opportunities. METHOD Undergraduate(ExSc:n=47;DNut:n=48) students participated in an Interprofessional Education Workshop(IEW) aimed at improving understanding of interprofessionalism and behaviour counselling techniques. Students then formed into 46 pairs(ExSc:n=1+DNut:n=1) with each pair providing Interprofessional Behavioural Counselling(IBC) to a community client at two separate timepoints; Initial consultation and a 2-week Follow Up(FU). Student volunteers(n=38;ExSc:n=10,DNut:n=28) agreed to participate in the research phase, completing two surveys, Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Scale(ICCAS) & Students Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education Revised(SPICE-R2) at two timepoints; immediately post IEW, and post FU. Additionally, volunteers(n=14;ExSc:n=3,DNut:n=11) participated in focus groupsfollowing IBC. Significance, set at (p<0.01) with mean score differences, and relative change (%) reported. RESULTS Participant responses(n=31) to ICCAS showed improvement across the five key areas of interprofessional practice; communication(0.8,23%), collaboration(1.1,32%), role and responsibilities(1.1, 33%), patient-centred care(1.2,36%), conflict-management and team-functioning(1.1,30%). Similarly, improvements in SPICE-R2 for patient outcomes(0.30,7%) and roles and responsibilities with collaborative-practice(0.67,17%), but not (p=0.06) for interprofessional teamwork and team-based practice. Focus groups indicated that students were confused pre-IBC about effective collaboration, specifically apprehension relating to perceived time constraints involved in having two professionals in one consultation. Conversely, post-IBC student’s reported increased confidence in adopting a collaborative approach, better understanding of scope of practice overlap and could see value in client outcomes following an interprofessional approach. CONCLUSION UOW will continue to embed interprofessional work integrated learning experiences in the future to improve understanding of collegial collaboration ensuring patient-centred care and best practice.

Advancing Virtual Simulation in Education: Administrators' Experiences

BackgroundHigher education healthcare administrators are under increasing pressure to find quality clinical placements and there is a critical need to look beyond traditional ways of preparing students for practice. Virtual simulation is a rapidly emerging tool for learning within healthcare education. Administrators are just starting to learn how to manage its integration into curricula. MethodsEleven healthcare administrators from seven institutions of higher education, colleges and universities were interviewed in this qualitative study to understand their needs, challenges, and recommendations regarding virtual simulation integration. These administrators were testing and integrating virtual simulations provided through the Virtu-WIL program, a pan-Canadian, work-integrated learning experience that developed and tested health care virtual simulations. ResultsFour themes were derived from the data: Driving forces, Impact of VS on learning process and outcomes, Collaboration and Coordination, and Sustainability. In addition, administrators recommended several different strategies to support the implementation of virtual simulation. These included faculty support, collaboration between schools and institutions and sustainability initiatives. ConclusionAdministrators are integral to successful VS adoption; therefore, they need to effectively manage its integration in the curriculum.

Identifying the Gaps in the Management of Work Integrated Learning Among TVET College National Certificate (Vocational) Students

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a crucial activity for students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in South Africa and globally. Effective management of this activity is essential to ensure that students are well-prepared for their placement in the workplace. Unfortunately, the current situation in South African TVET colleges often falls short, with students frequently finding themselves in workplaces where they lack the necessary readiness. To address this issue, a mixed-method approach was employed to select 50 Level 4 students from the National Certificate Vocational program and four Work Integrated Learning (WIL) coordinators. The objective was to identify the challenges faced by students during their WIL experience. Data was collected through questionnaires administered to the students and face-to-face interviews conducted with the WIL coordinators. The findings of the study revealed that 68% of the students were not adequately informed about workplace dynamics, which posed a significant challenge. Additionally, 82% of the respondents stated that they were never briefed on the employer's expectations upon their arrival at the workplace. While students found the activities in the workplace interesting, they observed a noticeable gap between what they learned in college and the realities of the industry. These challenges clearly indicate a lack of proper WIL management in the TVET colleges. To address these issues, it is recommended that the college curriculum planner collaborates closely with industries to align the curriculum with industry expectations and requirements. This synergy will enhance students' WIL experience and better prepare them for the workplace.

Challenges to delivering university health-based work-integrated learning to students with a disability: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Students with disability experience numerous challenges when engaging in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). Successful WIL requires stakeholder collaboration to provide an equitable and relevant WIL experience. Stakeholder disparity around disclosure, accommodations, poor attitudes, and behaviours result in negative WIL experiences for students with disability. Understanding stakeholder preparedness and capabilities, in particular host organisations, is key to providing equitable WIL opportunities. Searches of five electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Embase/Scopus, A + Education Informit and Web of Science) were conducted. Twenty-one peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2022 were included in the review. Four themes were identified: Disclosure of the disability; University staff and WIL supervisor attitudes and training; Surviving WIL and Adjusting WIL to the individual. Embedding a strengths-based approach to WIL through strong relationships between student, host organisation and university will produce safe environments that are essential for high quality and fit for purpose WIL experiences for students with disability.

Innocence Projects, Work-Integrated Learning, and Student Career Pathways

The Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative (BOHII) at RMIT is an innocence project that has, since its inception in 2014, delivered an innovative and applied work-integrated learning (WIL) experience to students while raising public consciousness about errors in the criminal justice system. WIL internships are assumed to provide students with skills, competencies, and insights relevant to professional practice. This paper highlights the experiences and reflections of students who completed an internship within BOHII as either a core 50-day or elective 20-day WIL subject in their Criminology and Justice degree at RMIT University. The presentation of student reflections serves a dual purpose of demonstrating the need for more research into the pedagogical value of innocence projects and WIL in criminological and criminal justice settings in preparing students for the workplace. We outline the various contributions the BOHII placement has made to the students from their perspective, including the development of work-ready skills, self-efficacy and career path decision-making, with a particular focus on students who indicate policing as a preferred career path.

The Role of Self-Determined Motivation and the Potential for Pre-registration Student Learning: A Comparative Study within a Mental Health Clinical Placement

Developing therapeutic relationship skills as well as clinical skill confidence is critical for nursing students. While the nursing literature has examined multiple factors that influence student learning, little is known about the role of student motivation in skill development in non-traditional placement settings. Although therapeutic skills and clinical confidence are vital across a variety of contexts, here we focus on its development in mental health settings. The present study aimed to investigate whether the motivational profiles of nursing students varied with the learning associated with developing (1) a therapeutic relationship in mental health and (2) mental health clinical confidence. We examined students’ self-determined motivation and skill development within an immersive, work-integrated learning experience. Undergraduate nursing students (n = 279) engaged in five-day mental health clinical placement, “Recovery Camp,” as part of their studies. Data were collected via the Work Task Motivation Scale, Therapeutic Relationship Scale and the Mental Health Clinical Confidence Scale. Students were ranked into either high (top-third), moderate (mid-third) or low (bottom-third) motivation-level groups. These groups were compared for differences in Therapeutic Relationship and Mental Health Clinical Confidence scores. Students higher in motivation reported significantly higher therapeutic relationship skills (Positive Collaboration, p < .001; Emotional Difficulties, p < .01). Increased student motivation was also associated with greater clinical confidence compared to each lower-ranked motivation group (p ≤ .05). Our findings show that student motivation plays a meaningful role in pre-registration learning. Non-traditional learning environments may be uniquely placed to influence student motivation and enhance learning outcomes.

Inviting students to talk the talk: developing employability skills in accounting education through industry-led experiences

ABSTRACT Universities are increasingly focused on preparing graduates with strong disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills to increase student employability. In accounting education however, the development of employability skills remains a concern among graduates and employers. One strategy for enhancing employability is to engage students in industry-based experiences through work-integrated learning (WIL). This paper introduces a novel, industry-led WIL experience embedded in an Australian university’s accounting and financial planning curriculum and investigates students’ perceptions of employability skills developed through this intervention. In this WIL experience, industry professionals workshopped multidisciplinary skills and provided feedback to students following a simulated work-based scenario. Data was analysed from student surveys and reflections and showed that students perceived this approach as effective for developing employability skills such as teamwork and communication and for aligning theory to praxis. This paper supports endorsing alternative WIL models and industry collaborations in accounting education to enhance graduate employability skills.

An analysis of the role performance and characteristics of an ideal clinical tutor: Perspectives from undergraduate diagnostic radiography students in KwaZulu-Natal

IntroductionWork Integrated Learning (WIL) is an essential core component for undergraduate students pursuing the Radiography profession. Clinical tutors in WIL placements assist students in acquiring the skills and knowledge required to register and practice as a Diagnostic Radiographer. Importantly, the characteristics of clinical tutors have been reported to impact students’ experience in the clinical work environment. MethodsAn explorative-descriptive qualitative research design was employed. Using the non-probability purposive sampling method, 15 Diagnostic Radiography students studying at a Higher Education Institution in South Africa participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were used as the data collection tool and data was analyzed by the application of Thematic Analysis. ResultsThe findings are suggestive that students prefer a clinical tutor who is knowledgeable within the field in order to facilitate learning within the clinical sector of Radiography, as well as to better integrate theory into practice. Furthermore, students prefer a clinical tutor who is empathetic, understands and respects students. The Table of Themes emerged from the conceptual framework under Carl Rogers’ Theory of Facilitation (Rogers, 1979) which gives rise to three conditions of learning that must be provided by a clinical tutor. ConclusionThe emerging characteristics from the study strongly correlate with other studies performed internationally. The relevance of students' relationships with their clinical tutors was regarded as a crucial factor influencing students' work integrated learning placement experience. According to the findings, one of the most important drivers of a successful work integrated learning experience is the clinical tutor's attitude towards the student. Implications for practiceImprovement of the practice of clinical tutors within WIL placements and enhanced awareness of clinical tutors on how they impact students during clinical practice.

A study of work-integrated learning experience of hospitality and tourism management students in Guangdong under the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThis paper aims to explore students’ work-integrated learning experience. Particularly, students’ application of knowledge and improvement of multiple skills in work-integrated learning, their influence on positive industry image change due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and students’ desired career prospect were explored.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey with valid responses from 168 undergraduate students in hospitality and tourism management was conducted in four colleges/universities in Guangdong, China in 2021. PLS-SEM method was used to analyze the data.FindingsIt was found that students’ multiple skills had improved through application of knowledge in work-integrated learning. Skill improvement helped form positive industry image change and shape future career prospect. However, such positive industry image change did not impact students’ career prospect directly.Originality/valueToday, work-integrated learning has become one of the most valuable opportunities for students in hospitality and tourism management to gain industry experience. However, recent literature has largely examined the negative impacts of COVID-19, whereas few studies have examined the positive aspects of work-integrated learning.

Enhancing Graduate Attributes through Work-Integrated Learning: Students’ Perspective

Work-integrated learning inspires students to embrace prospective future careers, thereby contributing to economic innovation and growth. Universities must incorporate work-integrated learning into the curricula to promote students’ personal and career development goals. It enables students to integrate theory and practice and to assess their experiential learning as well as exposing them to the world of work. This study investigates the contribution of work-integrated learning to enhancing graduate attributes of industrial design students at the University of Botswana. Few in-depth studies have assessed how work-integrated learning enhances the graduate attributes of industrial design students. A case study was conducted with 21 University of Botswana industrial design students. The results were based on students self-reporting after undertaking a 14-week work-integrated learning experience. The participants reported that 98% of the graduate attributes were positively attained. Teamwork and adaptability were the top two graduate attributes that were perceived to have been attained. The results suggest that work-integrated learning enables students to learn by doing, which enhances personal and professional graduate attributes important to gain employment and succeed in the workplace. Consequently, institutions of higher learning must review their teaching and learning pedagogies to align them with the needs of the work environment, civic engagement and the fourth industrial revolution to produce technically and professionally competent graduates. The curriculum review should also foster a decolonial and transformative lens in higher education in the Global South

Effect of undergraduate student age on work-integrated learning preparation and experience

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a strategy to create effective talent pools and meet business needs for competent and work-ready graduates. There are limited empirical studies on how WIL student demographic profiles (i.e., age) may affect the effectiveness of WIL projects and learning experience. Guided by the research question: Does undergraduate student age affect WIL preparation and experience? A survey was conducted through a quantitative approach among final year undergraduate students who participated in the WIL programme. Sixty-six copies of the questionnaire were distributed, forty retrieved and consider valid for further analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that age could be an important factor in a student's WIL experience. Students in the age group of 21 years may have better WIL experiences than younger or older WIL students. Although age is not considered a major factor in determining overall WIL experiences, student demographical information is important for successful WIL projects. Findings further show that WIL preparation is an important factor towards better WIL project outcomes and enhanced student experiences. This paper adds to the body of knowledge on WIL student demographic considerations and creates awareness that student demographics must be considered if WIL projects are to be successful.

Remodelling work-integrated learning experiences of Grade R student teachers

There is a high demand by the Department of Basic Education (2011) to develop competent, flexible and knowledgeable teachers with bolstered attitudes and beliefs about their profession. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a crucial part in the Diploma in Grade R programme at a Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI) to prepare Grade R teachers. To prepare student teachers for the profession, they need quality experiences of WIL to apply their theoretical knowledge into authentic contextual situations. This study aimed to explore Grade R student teachers’ experiences of WIL and their ability to transfer their knowledge and experiences into practice. Purposeful sampling was used to identify four student teachers as participants for this study. A qualitative case study research design, using in-depth interviews, observations and documentation was conducted. Data was analysed thematically through the lens of the situated learning theory by Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger (1991). Findings showed that Grade R student teachers experienced positive and negative aspects associated with their WIL practice. Their experiences related to the need for remodelling the WIL experience, which would entail moving from the periphery to full participation in classrooms, at least in the final year of their diploma programme. The use of Community of Practices (CoPs) in a WIL model would enhance practical experiences. Collaborative, comprehensive and critically constructive discussions after lessons are taught during WIL, would mould future Grade R teachers to embrace their working careers with competence and confidence.

Helping university students discover their workplace communication needs: An eclectic and interdisciplinary approach to facilitating on-the-job learning of workplace communication

Although work-integrated learning (WIL) programmes such as internships and placements can provide valuable opportunities for students from different disciplines to learn much about workplace communication, ESP research has not investigated how on-the-job learning of workplace communication during WIL can be facilitated. To address this gap, the present paper first illustrates how an eclectic and interdisciplinary approach was taken in designing a WIL module for some students at a university in Hong Kong, with a view to facilitating their experiential learning and informal workplace learning during their WIL and helping them to discover their workplace communication needs. The paper then evaluates the impact of the module, using data from the students’ reflections on their WIL experience and a questionnaire survey that solicited their perceptions of the WIL module. It was found that the module, with its specially designed components, helped the students to learn proactively and enabled them to identify four aspects of their workplace communication needs, namely, 1) their target situation, 2) workplace discourse, 3) their current language skills and lacks, and 4) effective ways of learning workplace communication. Overall, the present paper argues that on-the-job learning of workplace communication is an area that warrants more pedagogical innovation and research attention in ESP.

Living Through the Lives of Hospitality Students During Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Internships: An Application of the Critical Incident Technique to Explore Factors Affecting Students’ WIL Experience

ABSTRACT This research examines the positive and negative incidents affecting hotel management students’ experience during their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) internships. The critical incident technique was adopted as the theoretical underpinning approach to elicit the positive and negative experience of hospitality undergraduates (n = 20) who have completed a six-month WIL internship as part of their hospitality program in Australia. Personal interviews were conducted to explore critical incidents faced by students during the internship and how these incidents influenced their overall WIL internship experience. Results of the narrative analysis revealed positive incidents were mainly attributed to encounters with hotel guests and workplace managers who provided positive feedback that made students feel appreciated and motivated them to work harder. With regards to negative incidents, conflicting issues with managers and colleagues was the main issue encountered during their WIL internship. Despite having negative incidents, students were able to focus on leisure activities and find solutions to manage their mental well-being. Overall, majority of students viewed the internship as an integral part of their Bachelor program to acquire industry knowledge, learn new skills, and manage negative tasks.

The work integrated learning experience of a university student with intellectual disability: a descriptive case study

ABSTRACT Inclusive higher education programs support people with intellectual disability (ID) to be included at university. However, until recently such programs have not typically offered the opportunity for students with ID to engage in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience. This case study investigates the experiences and processes involved in facilitating a university WIL placement (at a secondary school) for a student with ID (pseudonym: Serenity). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Serenity and key stakeholders involved in the process. Participants (N=6) were asked about their experiences of the placement processes; the challenges they experienced; and the outcomes they observed. They were also asked to provide suggestions for future WIL placements for students with ID. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Five major themes were identified: authentic experience; good preparation; support before and during placement; student characteristics; and opportunities for direct work experience. Outcomes can inform future inclusive WIL experiences for university students with ID. Recommendations are provided regarding further investigation into employability skills that are transferable from university-based learning to the workplace.

Personal qualities needed by undergraduate nursing students for a successful work integrated learning (WIL) experience

BackgroundInternational research has shown that during work integrated learning (WIL) undergraduate nursing students may experience stress, self-doubt, and coping issues, however personal qualities these students bring to their WIL journey or those needed to succeed during WIL remain unknown. ObjectiveTo describe the views of students midway through their Bachelor of Nursing program regarding personal qualities they bring to and need for WIL success. DesignThis article reports on a descriptive study that used an electronic questionnaire to collect the data. Settings and participantsBachelor of nursing students (n = 421), who were studying fulltime or part time equivalent, at a regional university in Queensland Australia, were invited to complete the anonymous electronic questionnaire that was developed by the research team following an extensive review of literature. Inclusion criteria required participants to have completed at least one WIL experience and be midway through their three-year Bachelor of Nursing program. MethodsData were collected during January and February 2017. The electronic questionnaire consisted of demographic, forced choice questions, and open-ended questions. This paper presents the qualitative analysis of responses to two of the open-ended questions that focused on personal strengths and work integrated learning experiences. Data were analysed using the inductive content analysis approach. ResultsSix personal qualities were identified including: enthusiasm to succeed, commitment to learning, self-motivation, confidence, effective communication skills, and compassion. ConclusionsPre-entry screening of applicants to bachelor level nursing programs and the delivery of learning opportunities that encourages both reflection and debriefing may assist in describing personal qualities needed to succeed in WIL.

Significance of work-integrated learning on ethical perception: implications to business students

ABSTRACT The first interaction of students in tertiary education with the work-integrated learning environment happens often through cooperative education or internships, where students, as emerging professionals, develop technical abilities and practice critical ethical decision-making and professional values. Accordingly, this study aims at assessing the impact of cooperative education on students’ understanding of business ethics issues, by focusing on the differences in students’ perceptions depending on work-integrated learning experience, academic majors and ethics courses taken. Testing our hypothesis on a sample of 234 business students at a Saudi business school, the results showed an evolution process of ethical perceptions, which indicates a maturation of ethical behavior due to the business environment exposure and not only from practical training or any other single factor. It also showed the insignificance of ethics education in this process as students’ ethical values develop over time during their lives toward society’s expectations rather than being shaped through formal exposure.

Rapid transformation of work integrated learning from the farm to virtual reality

All veterinary schools in Australasia require students in the first half of their course to complete work integrated learning (WIL) during vacation time on a range of animal enterprises. This allows students to gain an understanding of how the enterprises function on a day to day basis and compare to the theoretical training that students receive on-campus. The time on-property required is equivalent to 60 days of work with a requirement to visit several enterprises (AVBC, 2016). COVID-19 required immediate cessation of all on-property placements. Given the limited number of holiday weeks available for WIL we developed an on-line experiential program to support student learning.&#x0D; &#x0D; The backbone of the online WIL experience relied on previously developed or developing virtual reality (VR) farm resources; the 4DVirtual Farm and DookieVR (Barber etal, 2016). These resources allow students to visit properties via multiple 360 images through time on a property, allowing virtual travel through time and place to see what happens on an enterprise throughout a year. They also integrate environmental variables and both 360 and standard video to provide access to further information. They are viewable using mobile phones, laptop and desktop systems as well as VR viewers. The basic VR resource allows students to take their own tour around the property however the week of experiential learning was planned to reinforce the students’ ability to see what happens on the individual property throughout the year. This compares to an individual property visit where a student gains more “hands-on” insight for a much more limited timespan of the year, usually 1-2 weeks.&#x0D; &#x0D; The week of synchronous, experiential learning used Zoom as the primary tool to allow communication between staff and students with content managed on the learning management system, Canvas. The standard format for each day involved an initial entire class group session, mostly in didactic information transfer from staff to students and then a mixture of small group, full class or individual tasks. Assessment of content understanding was evaluated on a regular basis using multiple choice questions or word responses using PollEverywhere. The large class group of 100-250 students broke into small virtual rooms of 6 to 8 students. Each day this small student group had a task to complete and submit via Feedback Fruits, which then allocated individual students to provide written feedback on the group report by the next day. Time was allocated for students to review these reports both individually and then to discuss the multiple reports that group members were assessing and submit feedback. In addition, each small group reported on a relevant name to the veterinary industry, either from current or historical times. A short video detailing the link of this name to the veterinary industry was posted to Flipgrid for both staff and other students to review. Student understanding of the week was measured at the commencement and completion of the week using an online multiple choice quiz as well as receiving student feedback by an online survey. This presentation will cover the background, development and design of the week and associated material.&#x0D; &#x0D; References&#x0D; &#x0D; AVBC (2016), Standard 9.3 Extra Mural Studies (EMS or Workplace Learning), page 32, Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, https://avbc.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/documents/public/AVBCStandardsAug2016.pdf&#x0D; Barber S, Hallein E, Shallcross D, Weston J, Jacobson C, Bramley E, Celi P, McGowan M (2016), Final report: Development of 4D farms to improve student learning and safety, Office of Learning and Teaching https://ltr.edu.au/resources/ID12_2365_Barber_Report_2016.pdf&#x0D;

Supporting Natural Science Pre-Service Teachers during Work-Integrated Learning: A Case of a Lesson Study Approach

This paper is concerned with the issue associated with final-year Natural Science pre-service teachers’ lesson design abilities. This paper reports how the implementation of a lesson study approach served as an intervention to support the lesson preparation abilities of pre-service teachers during a work-integrated learning (WIL) process. The case study generated rich qualitative data from multiple sources such as e-mail communications, WhatsApp responses, video capturing, and focus group team discussions. Couched within the critical emancipatory theory, the study found that the planning and preparation of innovative and inclusive Natural Science lessons are inseparably associated with the collaborative practices and interaction that existed among the team of pre-service teachers. The accommodative and engaging nature of the lesson study sessions empowered pre-service teachers to share their diverse subjective experiences and contextual ideas, which were pivotal to the generation of knowledge and design of Natural Science lessons. Consequently, the lesson study approach not only affected the pre-service teachers’ lesson design abilities but also better positioned them for the WIL experience.