How valuable is ‘short project’ placement experience to higher education students?

Abstract

Much of the research into Higher Education and its role in work-based learning, and especially in supporting undergraduate students on placements, has focussed on longer term internships and sandwich courses. Research has also concentrated on subject areas that have traditionally been associated with the above; for example Business, Health, and Engineering. By contrast, the aim of this study was to gather data from students on a much shorter period of placement categorised as a ‘short project’ (Brennan and Little, 1996). In addition the data recovered was from students studying within the social sciences paradigm, undertaking an undergraduate degree in Education Studies (not teacher training). The social sciences and humanities more generally have not been discussed to any great extent within the context of research on placement or work-based learning; the subject area of Education Studies is not covered little by previous research. The results suggest that even a relatively short period of structured placement can be of significant benefit to students and provide them with an opportunity to assess their career direction and gain valuable experience. The paper also considers to what extent this type of placement can be applied to other subject areas within Higher Education.